"Pushin' people away isn't bein' ruthless. You were out there tonight fighting for allies you knew were fools, that hadn't accomplished much, that were willin' to make other people dig rather than share their own wealth for the success of all. Now, I gave 'em a fighting chance too. Up until it turned out that they weren't set to fight. Naw. That was real evident from the start that was meant to be all up to you."

His heart hurts a little at her comment. That he's important to her. He shouldn't be. That he wants her around. Girl, be careful, he's got him a pale horse and Hell in the shape of hate and triangles follows after.

"I get you on wantin' company, though. But no matter if you like me, in the end? Best that you like yourself more. Be ready to like yourself more, Darlin'. Always like yourself more than anyone."

The noble, the meek, the heroic, the suave, the charmingly inept.

She's gonna be the old one that remembers everything one day. He rubs her shoulder with the arm that's settled around her. She's going to have to find a way to cope and not let the dark eat her up completely.