[Feeling Hiyori land in his lap, he directs his gaze there first, avoiding the mirrors by blocking his view of them with a hand in case he's tempted again. There was something strangely alluring about the scenes he saw, horrible as they were. Like they were going to suck him in again, similar to the mirrors at Halloween.

One hand goes to her head, petting her gently as a small smile breaks across his face. She doesn't even know what he saw, but she's still doing her best to comfort and reassure him. He appreciates the sentiment, as misguided as it is.]

It may be true, in a way...

[He really does seem to just cause problems for everyone, getting them tangled in his web of deceit and suffering from his dad. But--]

Still, I won't let that stop me here. We still have work to do. The queen to help.

[Getting his cheeks shoved by tiny, warm paws makes him laugh quietly and reach out to hug her close, cheek resting against her head as a couple of tears roll down his face. She tries so hard, not just for herself, but for him. For him.]

No, but I heard his voice. I saw-- I saw everybody who'd ever left me... all the customers and shinki I've had. I saw Nora and Yukine, and... you. Everyone was... [Abandoning him. Just like in reality. Except for these two. His two bright, shining lights.]