( even without combing his fingers through wade's thoughts, he can almost see exactly what it is he tells him — can practically relate to it, unfortunately, and that has him feeling so much sympathy — genuine sympathy alongside a tidal wave of his own guilt and grief for not saving the person he cared about most. for you to be the target and someone else just getting in the way. the man who had taken him in and raised him as if he were his son. he knows that pain and he wishes wade didn't.

he looks to the spreader that wade himself looks at and he almost lifts it with his mind — almost breaks it apart atom by atom until there's nothing left of it, but. he refrains. instead, he looks up to wade and beneath the table, he gently nudges the other's foot with the tip of his. )

I don't think you'll ever not miss her. I think... it might be softer some days... then sharp others. But it'll always be there. Because you'll always love her.

( gently, he offers him a smile, even if it falls a little. )