[At least he's being honest about it. They've been trying to get better about that, but Mikleo had still been bracing himself for some excuse or justification, something to start another argument. It doesn't come, though. Maybe Sorey's as tired as he is.
His fingers shift in Sorey's hair, a gentle stroking motion again; a thank you, quiet and subtle.]
Are you punishing yourself?
[That, he could understand. Checks and balances are a human concept, like Rose's ledger, and based on what he's witnessed humans cling more easily to regret, to making amends and getting even, for good or ill. It's not like he doesn't get it. He has his own hang-ups, things he should or shouldn't have done. But it's... different. It's always been different, in ways he can't fully quantify. It's easier to let go. And it's healthier for the both of them if he acknowledges that parts of Sorey are more human than others.]
action;
His fingers shift in Sorey's hair, a gentle stroking motion again; a thank you, quiet and subtle.]
Are you punishing yourself?
[That, he could understand. Checks and balances are a human concept, like Rose's ledger, and based on what he's witnessed humans cling more easily to regret, to making amends and getting even, for good or ill. It's not like he doesn't get it. He has his own hang-ups, things he should or shouldn't have done. But it's... different. It's always been different, in ways he can't fully quantify. It's easier to let go. And it's healthier for the both of them if he acknowledges that parts of Sorey are more human than others.]