[Gokudera has been in high-intensity situations all his life, it feels. The collar just made it a daily pressure. He could tell her how awful it is, whine and complain and cry, and that would do nothing.

He doesn’t bring up things like this because it’s just so permeating his daily life and he’s trying to just… function without considering the stupid torture-device around his neck.

Once he’s stopped talking and she verbally puts her foot down, he stares.

He is afraid to hope, casts his gaze down.]

I just don’t want anyone blaming themselves…

[He looks up and the knit of his brow is eased up significantly.]

You won’t fail. I’m going to live.

[He doesn’t sound like he has a lot of conviction.]

I’ve spent a long time… seeing my worth as what I could give away my life for. My life was my only worth.

[He takes a deep breath, a rattling sigh, feeling guilt wash in for how he’d been so upset a moment ago.]

But… I know it’s more than that. The collar is… a mark of ownership. I was property. That was my worth, and… I haven’t been free in a long time. Years now.

I think… I still struggle with seeing it.

Why some hero-type would want to help me.

[Gokudera looks down, hiding his face. He may be crying.]

I don’t feel like I deserve it.