[ he looks down at where she's holding his hand, taking a deep breath. this time, it doesn't come whooshing out of him in a snarl, but instead a slow, steady sigh. it's quiet, here, and there's comfort in the fact that it's iris' sanctuary in this messed up campus. safety, right? winter is safety. ]

We'll see how this story pans out. But I might like to go there, sometime, if not for resources. Maybe I can help you fix that electricity problem while I take a look at another video game world.

[ his other hand closes on one of hers, so they're just - holding each others hands like that. ]

Thank you for always looking out for us, Iris.