[ The teenager's fingers curl and uncurl by his side. It's not like what Forte says isn't all something he's already thought about. Or hasn't thought about. It has. Ever since WBB. Especially since Never Have I learning Gingham had died but not died. He doesn't want to be useless. He doesn't want to hurt people. ]

[ The part of him that is so tied up into feeling, in the empathy that came as naturally to him as breathing feels and can't feel differently. The logic is there; Forte is not wrong. What had he expected of coming here? ]


[ His mouth is dry. He thinks, for a moment, that practice and study on himself would be preferable. He can handle it if it's himself (it's not). Phoenix swallows something down as he wagers his own feelings and thoughts and pulls them in before answering: ]

I'm not making you relive things that you hate.

[ He says after a moment. ]

And I know why you don't like them. I haven't gotten a single good one, I don't blame you. I don't want you to do that when it's already hard for you.

I can figure something else out.