And Ion just shakes his head again, slowly and patiently, as Rick stammers out his next few sentences. "But that's not true either."

He let's this hang on the air as he thinks of the best way to translate his thoughts to words, sitting so small and polite on the edge of his roommates bed. Eventually, he stands too, and steps forward.

"You're not a coward, Rick." Ion brings a hand forward to place it on top of one of the ones the blonde has attached to the bloody sweater. "It takes a great deal of courage to admit one's wrongs, and you've done just that, haven't you?"

After he says this, the boy brings his other hand up to rest over his own heart. "And I don't know how much help it will serve, but please remember that regardless of the animosity you may be facing, you can count on me for support."