[He had to let her words sink in, repeating them in his head to try and fight off that shame and guilt of suddenly fleeing the city. What if it was affecting more than just them? Was there anything the Guardian's office could even do? He nodded slowly.]

I- I don't think I can bring myself to go back.

[Should he even talk or think about it? Would acknowledging it help at all? He pursed his lips. Part of him wanted to mention that thing in the alley and assure her that he knew it had to have been nothing more than an illusion, but he couldn't possibly bring himself to. He couldn't concentrate on his duties when seeing those twisted visages, and he couldn't sleep. He probably didn't need to even mention his insomnia after even she saw it.]

What you heard, did it... only just start?

[He hated asking that question, his face even wincing slightly. There was the fear in the back of his mind that he was just coming off as a lunatic, no matter how much his common sense told him that wasn't the case. He winced again. Something was scaring her too before he took her and ran. He really shouldn't be talking about this. He didn't know what were good decisions and what weren't right now.]

R-right, we should. I think there's a place nearby. [He forces a small, apologetic smile to his face.] I didn't mess up your dress, did I?