He tears his gaze away from her. He doesn't want to see that expression on anyone's face, but seeing a friend look so heartbroken is much harder to deal with than if it were a stranger or acquaintance. Blake had been someone whose respect he once wanted to earn. He's a failure and earning it is out of the question. Just because he realizes that now, doesn't mean it hurts less.

"...I know," Part of his mind realizes it, the part of him that can see Blake for himself, and registers her voice as real. The other part, and his body is stuck in a constant state of fear. He's never felt this on edge before. He doesn't know where to start. For the most part, he's just reacted to the situations he found himself in. Even when he had been motivated to be a good team leader was thanks to the encouragement of Ruby and his team. The few times when he acted on his own never ended well. How does he even begin to move forward from this? Can he? Grasping his arm, he takes a few steps back. Just to give them both some space. He glances at the book, doing everything he can to avoid looking at Blake. Okay. Words. Maybe he could start there. He'd rather talk to Blake, anyway. He wouldn't put in the effort if it had been just anyone.

"Did you go back?"