[ He couldn't begrudge him for wanting to see his face. It was harder to hide his insecurity that way, but the Demyx deserved at least that much. Jefferson would likely want the same were their roles reversed. ]

I know. I'm sorry.

[ His lips were taut and the way his eyebrows were furrowed betrayed that he was still struggling with both what had happened and how he had handled things afterward. ]

I'm not a ghost, no. [ He shook his head. ] I should have spoke with you sooner but... I wasn't sure how. Not after --

[ After Genessia had seen just how unhinged he could really be. He sighed. ]

But I shouldn't have abandoned you. You don't have to forgive me for that, Demyx.