[ Oh. That...makes her feel worse, actually, but she doesn't let it show. Neria's gaze drops down to their hands and she is silent, mulling over the various things he has said. Something like a chuckle slips out, wistful. ]

You and I are certainly a pair, then.

[ Being afraid of losing people, hoping not to be attached. And still, he found himself thinking of her, someone who so foolishly tried to befriend him? Her fingers stretch for his, interlacing them together to hold his hand and offer...something. It's not comfort, not really. Understanding again, perhaps, but she feels it should be something deeper.

He thought of her even after she died. He thought of what she might think. And when she might have been the only friend he could have had after almost everyone else had perished...she vanished, and he believed she was dead.

Neria takes his hand into both of hers and lifts it to her lips. The kiss is not romantic nor even sexual in nature. If anything, it is closer to benediction, and she closes her eyes for a moment. ]

I feel...very foolish now.

[ In truth, she feels very angry with herself. She didn't even attempt to reach out to him, to anyone, and to know he carried some part of her all this way twists her heart in her chest. She would apologize, and almost starts to, but she knows he'll dismiss it again. She could fill an ocean with her apologies and her sorrows and it wouldn't be enough at this point.

Instead, she swallows it all and looks up at him once more. ]

There isn't anything about me that is...untouchable. I want you to know that. I'm not a hero or an enigma or someone who deserves anything more than anyone else. I'm just me.

I'm not haunting you now. I'm here.