[ It takes herculean effort to bite-back his self-pitying instinct to say, no, she wasn't lucky and instead dig his fingers into the crooks of his elbows. Things might not have turned out so horribly, in the end, if she picked someone else to assist her. Someone better.
What Markus said is a kindness, so Fitz decides to leave it that way.
Feeling the warmth of their spot, open and away from the trees, helps salvage the mood. The sunlight is a reminder that they're standing in a public space, having a seemingly normal conversation — but it's the personal offering in return that tugs Fitz beyond the quagmire. He allows a sidelong glance, catching the edge of Markus' frown. So it's like that: A breaking point, followed by trouble. ]
I'm sorry. [ Then, softer — ] Not even the person you cared for?
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What Markus said is a kindness, so Fitz decides to leave it that way.
Feeling the warmth of their spot, open and away from the trees, helps salvage the mood. The sunlight is a reminder that they're standing in a public space, having a seemingly normal conversation — but it's the personal offering in return that tugs Fitz beyond the quagmire. He allows a sidelong glance, catching the edge of Markus' frown. So it's like that: A breaking point, followed by trouble. ]
I'm sorry. [ Then, softer — ] Not even the person you cared for?
[ Personal territory it is. ]