Noctisardor Bypass High and Dry

He'd selfishly forgotten the one thing that did matter, and when he realized it, it was too late.

His heart sank to see tears darken the soft gold of Etienne's eyes. His mouth parted to exact adulations for Etienne, to tell him of course he mattered, he was the only one that stayed -- but to say all this would be to risk everything, and fracture an inner-image Anselm had about himself that would not survive schism.

He stepped back to let Etienne go, sensing the burn of Suzu's gaze. As much as he wanted to follow Etienne and tell him he was sorry, Anselm stayed. His ears pinned as Suzu spoke. She may be right, but Anselm was not receptive.

He turned a hard shoulder and mumbled. Vhatever, Suzu. The camaraderie from moments before was broken; Anselm cleared his throat and began to walk anywhere that wasn't near the two of them. Like Etienne, he needed time to think.