Does it even matter? [He brings his legs up to his chest, curling under Giorno's arm as they settle on the couch. His hands are clenched tightly under folded arms, nails digging into his palms. The stinging keeps him just a little bit grounded, he feels.] I'm tired of... of hiding. Where do I go when there isn't any place left for me?

[In the end that's what will happen, won't it? He'll be on his own to protect himself, or try to, and it feels like nothing has changed from back home. It's always been him surviving any way he can and...

A stray tear escapes and slides down his cheek. Frustrated, he wipes it away with his palm. The angry red crescents left behind by his nails stark against his skin.] He could have killed me... he came so close and I- I know it. I could feel it- [He has to stop when he feels his voice breaking.]

God- I'm trying! I- I want to be better than... than this.