They had only left Havenwell because it was what Kyoko wanted, which meant this was definitely her fault. If she hadn't taken their hands, Shinji and Kaito could still be comfortable and happy in the home they'd made together. From the very start, she'd brought them trouble, and now...

Now Shinji's hand rested so warmly on her head that Kyoko had to close her eyes against her shame even as the tears slowed. Now Kaito's touch coaxed her ragged breaths into something calmer. None of this was deserved, but she had to try to do right by them, somehow.

"I'm sorry," she had to say at least one more time, her lip still quivering. They must be scared too, but she was making them comfort her again. "I really, really wanted to be able to protect you."