Really, Alph's headache was making all of this too hard. They couldn't even think straight. With a groan, they lean against a tree. They couldn't even look for Spooctus' magic signature, not with all the chaos and fuzziness that filled the air. "Most times, I have a solution." They sigh, sliding down the bark. This, of course, untucks their shirt, not like he cares.
Narrator soon sits beside them again, looking over Alph's weary form.
"I know the enemy, whether it be emotions or... a bear, but this time? I'm in too deep. We might have to fight, I've dragged you into it, my daughter's best friend is dying or just-spitting up ink, because of it..." Their head sinks further down. "I'm... sorry. I shouldn't have brought you here during the retreat, even if I didn't know this would happen."
Narrator sighs, laying his spear down. "It's not like you're at fault. You've done what you set out to do, didn't you? You've protected those around you, to the fullest of your abilities. Monika is safe. You're working to protect others still."
"But I'm still putting you in danger." Guilt claws at them. After everything Narrator has done for them, they put him in danger, all because they wanted him to meet others.
"If I were that worried, I'd have asked for a portal back. I would've made sure you stayed too, of course, but that's neither here nor there." Narrator rubs the back of his neck. "I stayed because I wanted to. I also had a feeling you'd get into more trouble if I hadn't stayed." He offers a small, slightly lopsided smile. It... really does help Alph feel a bit better.
"Well, you are probably right about that." Gently, they rest their head on his shoulder again. No sleeping this time either. "Thank you."
He sighs comfortably through his nose, resting his head on Alph's. "Of course."
Maybe... it wasn't the area that made Narrator feel at peace before. Maybe, it was him.
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