( Kel's here. Even after seeing some of the extent of just how awful he is, he's still there with him. He's still reassuring him, gently pushing him to try to get better. And more than that, he promised he wouldn't leave. He promised he'd always try to be honest with him.

And... Kel wouldn't leave him again. Basil knows he never would. He wants to trust in that.

His fingers intertwine in Kel's at that thought, focusing on breathing, focusing on his voice. It's warm. All of Kel is warm. )

... O-Okay. ( Basil still thinks that happiness might be impossible for him, but Kel doesn't need to know. He just... wants that for the others. ) Even if the both of you fight... I-I know that Aubrey wants that for you, too. I'll... I'll try harder for you too, Kel.

( He pauses then, his eyes finally meeting with Kel's before they look away. He's more calm now. Now that the focus is away from that and on something lighter, it's easier to calm down. )

... Uhm. There's... something else. I... don't think it'd be fair to keep to myself.