[Nick lets Nate rest his hand on his shoulder, inwardly grateful for the relief of camaraderie. The tension eases out of his metal frame, but as his brow remains knitted, his eyes flicking from Nate to the ground, it's apparent that a weight remains around his neck, his inner burdens continuing to hold him down.
He's right, though -- it doesn't have to be all him. The Guard can be more than just him at the helm and the rest under him -- that might have been Henry and Maketh's way, but it doesn't sit right with Nick. Never has, and frankly, it probably never will. It's just one more thing to get to on his long list, and the hardest part is opening up to folks, trusting they'll do the right thing when given the chance. He used to believe they would, but hell, maybe Maketh left him more burned than he thought.]
I know, Nate.
[He pushes another sigh out of him, his eyes still affixed on the ground. One step at a time.]
There are some things I just can't share with the class, though... with anyone.
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He's right, though -- it doesn't have to be all him. The Guard can be more than just him at the helm and the rest under him -- that might have been Henry and Maketh's way, but it doesn't sit right with Nick. Never has, and frankly, it probably never will. It's just one more thing to get to on his long list, and the hardest part is opening up to folks, trusting they'll do the right thing when given the chance. He used to believe they would, but hell, maybe Maketh left him more burned than he thought.]
I know, Nate.
[He pushes another sigh out of him, his eyes still affixed on the ground. One step at a time.]
There are some things I just can't share with the class, though... with anyone.
[And when he says anyone, he means it.]