[ There's a moment where Poe starts to flinch away from the touch, too deep in his own head to be aware of his surroundings. Then he recognizes the voice and all but presses back against Nate's palm, an anchor, something to keep him in the present.
I know, Nate says, and it bears a chilling kind of echo to the words streaming through Poe's head at the thought of the dead and tortured sentients the Null held captive in this place.
I understand, I understand, I understand. I'm sorry.
Poe shudders. Pushes himself slowly away from the wall so he can scrub the mess he's made of his face off on one sleeve. ]
I'm all right.
[ Could it be a more obvious lie. He looks at Nate, hollow-eyed, and tries for a smile. Then he closes his eyes to try and stop himself from crying again. It doesn't work. He can feel the tears on his face still.
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I know, Nate says, and it bears a chilling kind of echo to the words streaming through Poe's head at the thought of the dead and tortured sentients the Null held captive in this place.
I understand, I understand, I understand. I'm sorry.
Poe shudders. Pushes himself slowly away from the wall so he can scrub the mess he's made of his face off on one sleeve. ]
I'm all right.
[ Could it be a more obvious lie. He looks at Nate, hollow-eyed, and tries for a smile. Then he closes his eyes to try and stop himself from crying again. It doesn't work. He can feel the tears on his face still.
Quietly: ] Usually the comforting part is my job.