Now I'm sure that it's true
How does Koa do this every day? The real answer is something along the lines of compartmentalization to an unhealthy degree and then go out and beat people up, but somehow that doesn't quite seem like the right response for the situation. Instead Koa offers a small, sympathetic smile, his left hand rising to cover Jude's, squeezing gently against the fingers that cling so desperately to his shirt. It seems utter ridiculous, part of him muses, that Koa is the one caring for the fractured young man. He isn't prepared for this, isn't good enough to be trusted with something as precious as Jude's vulnerability, and yet there is no force on this earth that could now tear him away.
"You keep living," is the gentle answer, copper-flecked gaze sincere as it meets those hazel eyes. "You live the best you can, whatever that looks like. You keep being good, because the world has enough darkness." And Jude is good, Koa believes that - has to believe it, because the alternative is too complicated, too upsetting to face.
He stands at last, knees protesting, and smiles down to Jude. "Now," the Dragoon says gently, "I'm going to get a map so you can show me where everything happened. And we're going to go through it again - slowly - and then we'll be done. We can take a break any time you want. Okay?"
It's late by the time Koa's satisfied, the details as clear as Jude can make them, locations and events and timelines sketched out. Koa raises his arms in a stretch, back arching, wrists rotating, a powerful yawn splitting his jaw. His rueful grin is apologetic as he blinks over at Jude. "Okay, I think we're done. Sorry it took so long." Standing with another stretch, he adds: "And I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
and I'm nothing like you
