Swiftcurrent Creek Pick you up, let you down

He winced as she recoiled from his fury, eyes closing as the all too familiar guilt found its way back into the mix of emotions currently tormenting him. His anger wasn't directed at her--only at himself, the only one here who deserved it. She corrected him by mentioning that it was their mistake and not just his. He sighed softly through his nose as his gaze found her once more. Her apology only served to make him feel even worse, and he shook his head again. Don't, he said, the word almost a whisper, and his tone completely devoid of the anger that had been there before. This isn't your fault. He couldn't bear for her to take the blame anymore than he could bear to see her look so dejected. He touched his nose to her cheek if allowed, wanting to soothe her even as he felt like his own suffering would crush him at any moment.