[yeah... yeah, that made him feel better.]

Because she was around for barely a month, and you're...

[bent out of shape? upset? taking it out on others? pushing everyone away? he recognizes all the symptoms because he does it himself. he probably isn't really even mad at Dante, these things just have a way of twisting themselves...]

You should have known it would happen eventually.

I understand.

[ah, there it is. he tenses up, fingers tightening into fists.]

Everything here is all wrong. Anything you give a shit about is off in another world, and no one else knows what that's like. No one is going to reminisce with you, no one will respect you, no one will even hate you the way that they should, because you're the only one who knows.

And the second you try, the second you even think of trying to make up for it, you're anchored. You're stuck thinking that one day, no matter how happy you could be here, it's all going to disappear. You're going to push us all away, because that's the only way you can make it through this. Because otherwise we'll just be ripped out of your grasp, and there is nothing you can do about it.

And then you'll be all alone again, and there will not be a single fucking thing in this world worth living for.

Yes, Dante. I understand.

[he's a little surprised by Dante's reaction--he was expecting something more violent. something more defensive. but the fact that he's admitting a weakness gives him room to lower his own guard, the tension in his limbs uncoiling.

damned if they do, damned if they don't. how'd he become the center of all this? still... he really does understand.]

Do what you need to. I'll try to take care of things here.

[he raises his arm to touch Dante's shoulder, lightly.]

There'll be a place for you when you get back.

[it's better when the problem(s) are right in front of them--he can't be angry if they've come to terms with it. all of his irritation is gone, replaced with something closer to his Usual Self. when Dante's got his bad, he just nods.]

No problem. Don't let anything eat you on your way out.

[he'll turn to leave with a lazy wave. possibly oblivious to the future irony of his statement]