face the consequences

He didn't think that he could believe her when she mentioned the times she had been unfit or failed someone. Rhyme's ears perked slightly at her words, but she didn't go on to elaborate. His gaze lingered on her form as she settled down to get comfortable, letting him know verbally that she wasn't going anywhere. He sighed internally. The part of him that was ready to give everything up wanted to shoo her away so he might wallow in his sorrow alone. She was too strong a figure though, and even here in the quiet she lent him her strength.

Rhyme had to move on, had to keep going. If he stopped he would quickly be swallowed by the darkness. He didn't know if he'd be able to surface again if he succumbed to its pull. His worth was in question, his abilities doubted. What use did Shaye have of him now, broken and nameless. He would be the laughingstock of his whole family and he felt like there would be no redemption.

"Your time is too valuable to be babysitting me." he told her, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice this time. He knew he couldn't hide his emotions from her, she knew him too well. Hopefully she realized his sourness was not directed at her. "I'm sorry, it's not you.." He made himself trail off. How was he supposed to vocalize his failures?