The dark was...better, at least in that Ric couldn't see him. That helped. Made him feel less weak, if his breakdown couldn't be seen. It gave him space enough for the tears to fall, completely silently.

He had no idea why Ric was sitting here with him, why he was even trying to offer comfort, but he was grateful in his confusion. Unconsciously, he leaned into the touch, into Ric, seeking that human warmth he hadn't felt in...so fucking long.