[Well, if Xion were to look at him, she'd see a matching color across Luke's face. Did they really just...?!

Focus, Luke, focus! He keeps his eyes shut and one hand still in her hair, just breathing... and listening. That's... That's right. They talked about this once, after he told her about... that day. The reason why Van is weak, and why Luke is stronger than this. Because... he can care, while Van only cares for his own goals. Everyone else is just... a puppet. After all... Van was able to smile at the face of thousands of people meeting their deaths.

Maybe he can fight this after all. It's... tentative; he knows the power his master has. But it's not so hopeless now, at least.]

I don't... want to be like him. I used to, before... everything. But I can't do it now.

[He does lean his head back, only to duck it a little lower.] All my life I thought Master Van was... the only person who understood me at all. He was my teacher, and I... I really looked up to him.

[He shakes his head, the hand in her hair idly sliding down to the back of her neck.] I... don't think I do anymore. Not at all.