[He falls silent and just holds her tighter, nuzzling her. He doesn't know what to say. He doesn't know how to really process this kindness amidst all of the recent trauma.]

[Exhaustion quickly catches up with him, and little by little the facade he always wears breaks. Before long, she might notice some wetness on his cheeks as the nights he'd spent torturing himself over the perceived guilt of his decision finally break him. He wasn't lying, he was tired. But not tired of trying, no...he was tired of always putting on this mask. Like everything was alright. Like he was alright.]

[Because, thanks to her, he's finally realizing that it's okay to not be alright. To feel overcome with sadness and frustration. To want to let it out before it completely consumes him. She is his safe space. His hero. The person he always wished he could be for others. But right now, he's acknowledging his failures so that, maybe one day, he can be as great as she is.]

[He holds her, refusing to let her go. He needs her. And finally, in a strained whisper, he admits.]

I don't know what it's like...to share a burden...to have someone...

I just want to be worthy of the way you look at me...

I want to be the man you always seem to see...This...larger than life person who can do anything...

[I want to be your hero...]