[a little sound at that - no, Linneus still considers all he has done to be pretty bad. Because how many hearts has he broken - how many marriages; how many betrayals performed daily just for the sake of staying in the Teahouse? Of staying near someone who never could love him? Heavens, what had been the point of any of it at all...?

It is not a competition; he won't sit and list out his many failings. But the ache of a love returned - the realisation of his foolishness for doing so, but holding it anyway - this ache he knows well]

I know how that is.

[in the shelter of Dazai's arms there at least seems no harm in admitting that, though he chuckles softly with the suggestion]

Ah, it might be wise to, perhaps.

[part of him is not even sure he deserves to be loved, after all he has done. Though perhaps by virtue of that unreturned love, the torch he has tremblingly held through all weathers, he is already sworn off love entirely.

A hum at the hand against his back, the touches idle but welcome as they tug him from his thoughts.]

Not so thirsty after all...?

[softly questioning]

If you would like to leave, of course, we can? To where...?