I did need you then! [That's a shout, because he can't believe this, that this is where the miscommunication was coming from.] I was shot in the back, Raven, I couldn't feel my legs! You have no idea how hard it was to wake up in the hospital and realize I'd never be able to walk again, or run, or stand up or wiggle my toes or anything, and that two people I loved more than anything else were gone, too. And apparently, that they thought I wasn't even worth checking in with to make sure I hadn't died, after you left us stranded with the people who'd just tried to kill all of us. There were months where I was so depressed, I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning, I felt worthless-

[His eyes are wet, and he cuts himself off with a shuddery breath.] Things would have been so much easier if you'd both been there, for all of us.

[Spoilers: this is why Alex was so pissed at you. B(

He rubs his hands over his eyes, taking a deep breath and trying to calm down.]

I told you to leave because you wanted to go. If I'd asked you to stay, you'd just have resented me, because you wanted the chance to go out on your own and make your own choices, which is a good thing. I don't want you to do things just because I'd do them, or Erik would or whatever. That isn't fair. I'm trying to do the same thing here, and all you're doing is telling me how awful I am for doing it, and for doing all sorts of things I've never even considered. All I want is for you to be happy. I don't want you to feel stifled or unloved or like you aren't getting the respect you deserve.