[He feels hope is a lot to ask... but perhaps they should try anyway, just this once.]

Never feels like it's come to the worst, right up until it does, doesn't it?

[There's some barely-choked-out laughter on the last part of the question. It sounds broken, which is exactly how it feels.

... Gods, and this is just memories. He may not have done it himself, hasn't even gone through physical morphing like Ben has and possibly will, but-

He can't just stay stuck on himself like this, he can't.

He has people to help, to be there for, like they are being for him right now.

Like Ben.

The hug is sustained.]