Eddie shuddered, the feeling of flesh against his awakening unspoken spells.

"Eridan --" he began. "Eridan, no." He pressed the side of his head against Eridan's offered arm, feeling that cushion with a hunger. "No, don't think of me like -- like this."

His ego licked at his own teeth, forcing the words. The motivation was kept to his mouth, however, his body didn't even twitch away from Eridan's comforting attention. His body stayed on its side, captivated by the tender moment of comradery shared. Eridan understood those sharp knives and burning brands like he did, symbols of persuasion under the Establishment.

He exhaled, the release of breath like a change in season. Winter held to spring released.

"I always thought we were meant for something better," he said. Incoherent strings of thought vibrating in the darkness, the coldness of the floor. He held those truths so close to his self-serving heart, the reality nearly cleaved the damn thing. "Always thought we were the world changers."

Potential snuffed. A cruel fate.

He kept his head on Eridan's arm, his breath easing.