There's another moment of hesitation. A moment which they can't afford, all things considered. But it can't end like this.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Simon spent far too many nights awake and aching. Sleepless, remembering Ebb, agonizing over the things he wished he'd said, rehearsing what he should have -- or shouldn't have -- done, rehashing everything to absolutely frustrating lengths. Even if he couldn't have saved her, even if the outcome were the same, what would he have told her if he'd had the chance in those final moments?
What do you say to someone who's about to die?
Simon's eyes are stinging when he falls to his knees behind Tommy, and he wraps his arms tight around the other boy's shoulders. It's all he can think to do, to offer some bit of comfort. Maybe it's unwelcome. Maybe it's not enough. But it's the best he can do.
"I'm sorry," Simon's voice cracks, and he swallows hard. "And thank you. I'll keep them safe. Everything will be all right.
"And you'll come back, right? People come back here, after they-- So you'd better come back. I'm not asking. That's a demand."
Simon gives Tommy a gentle squeeze, and he swears that just letting go is one of the hardest things he's ever had to do. There’s a soft sob, barely audible, as he scrambles back to his feet. Then he grabs his sword and runs back down the passageway.
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A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Simon spent far too many nights awake and aching. Sleepless, remembering Ebb, agonizing over the things he wished he'd said, rehearsing what he should have -- or shouldn't have -- done, rehashing everything to absolutely frustrating lengths. Even if he couldn't have saved her, even if the outcome were the same, what would he have told her if he'd had the chance in those final moments?
What do you say to someone who's about to die?
Simon's eyes are stinging when he falls to his knees behind Tommy, and he wraps his arms tight around the other boy's shoulders. It's all he can think to do, to offer some bit of comfort. Maybe it's unwelcome. Maybe it's not enough. But it's the best he can do.
"I'm sorry," Simon's voice cracks, and he swallows hard. "And thank you. I'll keep them safe. Everything will be all right.
"And you'll come back, right? People come back here, after they-- So you'd better come back. I'm not asking. That's a demand."
Simon gives Tommy a gentle squeeze, and he swears that just letting go is one of the hardest things he's ever had to do. There’s a soft sob, barely audible, as he scrambles back to his feet. Then he grabs his sword and runs back down the passageway.