audio | forward dated a bit to day 66

[rigging]

[ It's early in the morning. Before most humans should really be awake, honestly. So that's why maybe it's surprising when the communicator, and by extension, the network, catches the sudden panicked inhale of breath and the panic that follows. There's a good minute of rustling and noises that sound a little like whimpers before the sound settles down.

And then it's quiet. A beat. Another, then: ] Fuck, where --

[ That is definitely a familiar voice. Deep breath. Slow exhale - and the recording cuts off in the middle. ]

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[rigging]

[ It surprises him, and Jesse pulls back quickly, looking a little stung. There doesn't need to be a reason for it, Jesse doesn't need to know why he pulled away, just that he shouldn't have done it, it made Ned uncomfortable or afraid, and he won't do it again. Jesse shoves his hands into his pockets and stays out of Ned's way, eyes on the ground. Keep walking. Right.

He falls silent, stomach churning again, guilt from all directions crowding in around his ears. He'll follow Ned wherever he leads. ]

[nedofpies]

[ He can see that he's hurt Jesse, which is the absolute last thing he wants, right now. It's no better than what happened with Daneel. He keeps hurting the people he cares about, and he can't seem to stop it from happening. The two of them walk in silence for a few paces before Ned breaks: ]

I'm sorry.

[ Jesse will know what he means. He should say more, maybe. Not a lot, but enough to explain. But he's saved by the sound of Kenzi's voice coming over Jesse's communicator, and he lets himself fall back a pace or two. Still there. Still watching for threats and keeping Jesse safe, but not hovering as much as he was before. He's glad they are nearly back. Kenzi will be able to take proper care of Jesse. Won't add salt to the wound. ]