[IC CONTACT]

[photophobic]

You should know where to find me.
But if you leave a message here, I will see it.

Comments

[vanto]

What you find intolerable in yourself might not apply to what other people feel about you.

[...]

I don't mind being there with you.

[He's also sure all of Ren's family would, at least, try to be there and help. Right? Right.]

[photophobic]

[ It doesn't matter, he wants to shout at him. He wants a grip on the collar of Eli's shirt so tight his knuckles threaten to tear through his skin, he wants to scream it into his face. I don't care. I don't care.
Being me is intolerable.

But Eli is on the island, and Kylo Ren is perched on the remnant of the couch in Hux's trashed office, staring at his comm device. ]

For what? What would you do. What could you possibly do.

Is it that you don't believe I know that you want to help? Is that what this is about?

[vanto]

[For Eli, whose nature lacks the manipulative complexity of some, Ren's words are puzzling. ]

You're angry and upset and feeling alone.

What? No. I trust your word, that I want to be with you right now has nothing to do with that.

[photophobic]

[ Does he feel alone? The word doesn't fit, not quite.
He is, of course. But that wouldn't change if Eli were here. Whatever it is that burns in the core of him belongs there. No-one else can touch it.
And he can't remember, any more, if that's because it isn't possible, or if it's because he won't allow it. The two became the same too long ago. ]

You can't help me, Eli.

[vanto]

[No, he does not suppose he can help. Not in the way Kylo really needs but —]

I'd still try. You helped me.

[photophobic]

I know you would.

I'll contact you. If I require anything.

[vanto]

Alright, Kylo.