[ Oh, his heart. Both the thing and the man. His expression can't help but crumble a little as he reaches up as his husbands hand lowers, to curve his palm against his cheek. To wipe away the tears that flow there. ]

I'm sorry, my love. I so often delve into what I can give of myself for others, that I do not lay my eyes upon the suffering I may be causing in the people I love the most by doing so.

[ Or, if he does, he considers it a small price to pay for the betterment of everyone. Ah, his alternate memories tell him how easily he could have followed Lily, because he's truly a lot like her in some things. He tugs Cacao's face down so their foreheads rest together, his other hand coming up as well to slide back into his husbands hair, careful not to pull the braid out. But to merely take a hold on him. ]

You do far more for me than you realize, or that I may vocalize. Your presence has been the strength I've been leaning on this entire time, or I would not have had it for my decisions. I... I fear that means I have taken you for granted, that willpower of yours to hold me up. I am truly sorry.

[ He drags his hand against Cacao's face again, then tilts to kiss the tears away. ]

The little piece of Jam may quiet the hole in me the loss of my own has caused, but it has always been you that has been what holds me up the most. You are my strength.