You've Got A Problem

It was different, this talk and the one Chulane had initiated. For one, Korbin was a willing participant this time. For the other, he trusted the man he was talking to. While hearing these things was rough and painful and a heavy, uncomfortable burden he couldn't quite shoulder properly yet, at least he had asked for them. Maybe Korbin didn't hate Chulane, and maybe what he had done was necessary on some level... but he might never forgive the intrusion.

Closing his eyes again, the boy leaned back against the wall and just breathed. Knew Noah wouldn't mind the silence as he let the words sink in, even if it dragged on. And it did. Long minutes passed, until finally Korbin's breathing grew unsteady. He struggled to maintain his composure, but it was really just a bit too much. In a moment of perfect clarity, Noah's summary of his actions brought it home just how messed up he had become, and thinking of what Weaver would have said if she saw him like this... what Erebor might say, or his parents...

"I'm sorry," he choked, hiding the face in the crook of an arm. For the broken promises, for not keeping his word and honoring that debt to Loren... For causing so much damage, and hurt, and worrying so many people who already had it rough.. "I-I'm s-so sorry..!"

In loving memory of when I gave a shit

KORBIN
HALE