"But that's not true!" Crow's voice is raw, desperate. The hand on Magpie's shoulder trembles. His eyes slam shut. Damn it... "I don't want to change you, Magpie. I don't want to use you like Shido. I just..."

Shit. He needs to keep it together. He needs to...

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..."

His Shadow looks at Crow, so shaken, on the verge of tears, whether it be from frustration or genuine sadness... and presses his palms together, trying not to let the tornado of emotions swirling inside Crow overwhelm him. He has to be a bright spot. He has to be strong.

"It's been difficult for Crow today. First he acted on your behalf, only for the operation to implode on itself. Then Drake was genuinely hurt by it. Ren was upset. It was... hard. He's trying so hard, Magpie, because he cares so much, but it feels like he's being pulled in two very different directions and nothing he tries is good enough."

Crow takes his other hand and covers his eyes. He pinches his brow, tries to cool down. "I do want to understand. I'm sorry that I ever made you think otherwise. So much is riding on this mission, but that's no excuse for making you feel as though you're nothing but a means to an end."