[ he jerks at the contact, blurry vision finding the hand uncertainly, then lifting to the other man's face. it would be nice to think that he could be.. stronger. that the fear and pain and horror and violation that he lives with could be taken away. but that would mean finding a way to remove the crest worms, and if they're gone.. what is he? if he lets that happen for his own comfort while sakura is at home suffering a fate that should have been his-- ]

You don't-- understand. [ his voice cracks as he struggles with a sob that's caught in his throat. ] The things.. that go on in that house.. And that should have been me. That was always.. meant to be me. [ but after a lifetime living in that house under zouken's hand and his cruel whims, he'd finally run. and he'd hoped that the matou family magic would finally die.

but zouken had found another way, and it's all kariya's fault. ] I can't.. give up on Sakura, but.. this is all.. I can do. [ he lifts his hand away from his knees to rub his knuckles over his eyes, smearing away the tears. ] It's never-- never been much. But no one else.. seems to care about her.