Lone Star Mountain Talk to me, just one last time

Taikon took a moment to compose himself, rubbing snot and tears onto his wrist while she made light of their discussion. It made him laugh in that way people do when they're about to break down again. His eyes were glimmering, watery with the pain that had long been welling up within him. It felt, strangely, good to let go to her. He was so rarely able to do it.
He felt rather embarrassed. Like a child that doesn't quite know the rules, he felt himself be unsure at this ability to feel in front of another. It made sense in front of Artyom right after Aphrodite had died. Though the other was unable to comfort him, grief was one of those things you didn't fuck with.
You're definitely a thorn in the ass, he laughed, though it clearly wasn't true. Always making me feel things and shit, you're the worst! Taikon joked, lifting one of his back paws to scratch at his ear casually.
A moment passed, and he followed up on a more serious note. But, do you think you'll ever... you know, like, settle somewhere? Like I thought I was a wanderer too and I am but.. I don't know, he said. His words were raw, a clear train of thought. It was true, though. Before Whitebark, he had always assumed that he would live on his own indefinitely. Now, he strangely craved the company of others and being part of something.