[ weh - mizu's so intense that it's hard not to, so as soon as he feels his gaze, taair does look up and meets his, finding a moment of anchorage in that steadiness.

and it's - it's really comforting. part of it is because he knows that mizu would not bullshit him, and it makes the truths that he delivers feel just as heavy, just as real. after a life full of pretty lies, this kind of company is beyond welcome, and he searches mizu's face for a moment, and then eventually, nods. ]

No... they shouldn't have. And whether they're merely "lost" or not, they're... still gone from us, until proven otherwise. [ a beat, and then, softly: ] Thank you.

[ he needed to hear it. ]

I wish there was more we could do beyond just... wait. I know Miss Neverah felt the same.