[ ... there... maybe something stirs in the nothingness plaguing leo's mind with those words. something dampened by the grief and the voice that says no, you were right. parts of leo -- the worst parts of leo -- still want add to shut up and leave. they want to grab the horrible feelings gnawing at his sides and just... throw them at him, lash out, because maybe that'll offer some form of respite. then maybe add will go, and leo won't have to expend the little energy he has anymore.

leo doesn't. it's the easier thing, to fall back into the past and just fully embrace the fuck-ups... to fully sink into old feelings and be alone. but he hated that, he hated that, and it's what got him to this point in the first place.

add may say he doesn't have to get stronger, but leo thought he really, really did. he wishes he could apologize. the thought makes him sick again. ]

I don't care about that stuff.

[ ... wait, that's a flippant way to say it. he's just-- tired, and his brow furrows at how that comes out of his mouth. at least his expression's not just blank now. ]

I mean, about what you said... I'm not gonna lie and say it didn't hurt, but if someone comes back after saying that, I don't really mind.

[ that's the truth of it. so, the sorry's not really needed. add just returning to be here would've been enough. it's-- it doesn't seem like enough now, but that has nothing to do with him, so.

after a small little exhale, leo continues: ]

... Tell me more about that life, Add. It doesn't have to be about that, just... Anything.

[ he was curious before, after all. if add's talking, leo'll urge him to. if add's filling the silence, leo doesn't have to hear it. ]