[ There's...a lot going on here. Another member of their family? Who doesn't...remember them? Is it a death penalty? Something to do with their talk of magic? What is it-

Alex puts a hold on his bursting curiosity; this isn't what Lion needs, not more questions. What else is- ]

How's being upset about losing everything make you an awful person? [ He runs a hand over the front of his spiky hair- oh, that's...getting longer, isn't it? Shaggier-- and his lips curl inwards, 'til he has the lower one in his teeth. ] Would I tell...Maya, or Mia, they couldn't miss anyone else? No...friends, other loved ones? What kind of fucking dick would do that?

[ He simply meets Lion's gaze. ] I...don't let myself miss anything but Clear. 'Cause... 'Cause everyone else was...gone before that, and...missing my parents? ...I can't go back there. If I try, I'll just... I'll die, for good. ...But it doesn't mean knowing that doesn't...hurt, so much. I get...how much it could hurt, to hold that in.

[ A helpless little shrug, sad. ]

Just 'cause you got someone with you off the sinking ship...doesn't mean you're not still freezing in the fucking lifeboat. You know?