(what transfers is all that already has, solidifying faith and a genuine fondness that seems to shroud every bad feeling choking him up. connor's dreadfully relieved for two reasons, seeing his friend again and seeing him doing alright for what seems like the first time in a while. the forgiveness he receives is just added charm, unable to stop the subtle tremble in fingers beneath fitz's.

he's simply excited. to be back, to be here with markus and fitz, and although he's missing noctis so terribly it'd do him a disservice to lie down and submit to the anguish. they have far stronger willpower than that — fitz says so in his explanation.)

Then you understand it. (fingers pass the coin off, intended for him, turning their hands over so his are keeping fitz's out of the cold.) Being trapped physically is frightening, but being trapped in your own mind without an exit is worse. I never questioned the tasks that I'd been given until someone gave me a glimpse outside of all that.

Once you experience what's real, it's impossible to return to what came before.

(releasing him with a tilt of his head, brow lifting to lighten his expression. there's no sense bogging the moment down with philosophies on institutionalization and how big a part it plays in being an android or being imprisoned the way that fitz was. they're out, they're alive, and now they have every reason not to look back.)

Friends like you helped me find myself. I imagine it was similar for you, after that.