[in the end, the anger never wins out when Diva is the target. she's just about the only person that applies to, and he wonders sometimes if she knows that since every now and then it seemed like she would do unreasonable things just because she knew only a scolding waited. as far as he knew, this very different Diva was quite similar in that regard, being unable to tell one placating gesture from another. it does work in calming him, and he nestles close and clings tightly as if she could disappear from under his fingers at the drop of a hat.]

Don't get lost again. [a childish demand, and he knows it, but he stands firm behind it nevertheless.] What if the bracelet being returned hadn't helped you? What if you waited too long and its effect couldn't protect you from that damned disease anymore? If you left... [she'd be dead and he would be utterly useless and the thought makes him feel winded.]