[He shakes his head once more, though it's far more shallow. He knows Temenos is right, and the logic grounds him where the emotions swell and dig. But there's part of it that isn't quite right, part of it he can't voice now when the hurt feels raw and familiar.]

...It's not about me.

[It's quiet. The tone isn't self-deprecating, merely a tired correction, a desire to be understood.]

Haruka and Xiao are okay. Crea is okay. Nona is okay. [He swallows hard, lifting himself from Temenos's shoulder to look down at him with guilt still heavy on his features, to slide his hands up to cup at the cleric's face.] You're okay.

I want to use the strength I have to protect you. Not to cause you more pain. [His thumb runs against the man's jawline, the fragility of it just as obvious in this moment as it had been during their kiss mere days ago.] I won't be able to forgive myself if I do that to someone again.