[ They've been through a lot together. Too much for any one friendship, really. They've both suffered battles, but this was cruel in a warped, deliberate way, and they've clawed and scraped their way to freedom, together.

So by now he's used to reaching out, giving her hand a soft squeeze. ]

I have no intention of dying. I promised we would make it through this... and that we would not bring harm to others. Though if I am being honest—I cannot say I wouldn't hurt someone if they made themselves your enemy.

[ It is, perhaps, a dark thought, but it doesn't feel that way to him—it's an easy truth, spoken clearly. He's always been a blade of a person, best at hurting others. For a moment he sets strategy aside, voice soft and as contented as anyone can be at a time like this. ]

I want to see you safely through this, Flayn. You mean a great deal to me—and to know that you care for my wellbeing... I'm not sure if you'll ever realize how much it warms my heart.

[ To be selfish for a friend's sake—he'd never have dreamed of such closeness. ]