[ . . . . maybe that's true. he listens thoughtfully at that and - there's some sense of understanding. the difficult feelings in his chest, they don't really go away or ease. but there is just the slightest sliver of forgiveness that weaves through it. more for himself for than anyone else.

'if takeru will forgive me, maybe I can forgive myself a little'

he pulls back finally, just enough that he can press another kiss to takeru's forehead - a little note of gratitude]

.... I just have to keep moving forward, right? Instead of thinking about who I used to be. [a beat] ... it'll take a while, but I won't let these feelings or this place win.

[he won't be stopped again, no matter how heavy it feels.]