[He wants to be angry. Hell. If Pokey could just launch back into anger with the ease he used to, he's pretty sure his life would be that much easier. To just push people away again and again. He can't help scowling at her at first, too. Because hey, she bothered him for this? Called him out for this weepy willow crap? He doesn't need to hear this.

Especially since he can relate to it so well.

WHere does he even begin? He doesn't know. Because what she seems to want in part is answers he's still looking for. Things he still hasn't figured out for himself.

But he might as well start as best he can.]

Feel that way all the time. It sucks.

[Okay. Keep going. Don't stop now like you want to, you idiot. Keep talking.]

You're right. You are weaker. We both are. That's what hoping on and relying on and caring about people does to you: it makes it easier to get eaten up by the stupid, mean sack of crap that is the world.

But it's...stronger, too. Know that sounds dumb, but it's true. Can't be sure of it, but really, now that you do care? You're a better person now, after you met him. He helped make you that way. Don't just break down from what he helped you to be.

.....You can do it. It's always going to hurt, but you can.