Despite everything. He doesn't understand why. Maybe it's a coincidence. But Magicman's words continue to cut through to him with a deadly sort of accuracy, hitting the doubts that rise up in him before they could even take form. He closes his eyes and takes a shaky breath, letting it out, just as shakily.

Things will not go the way you planned it. Or the way you wanted it. People will love you even if you don't deserve it, just as easily as they will leave you when you don't want to part. Despite everything.

He looks away. "I can't help but think some people here will feel much better if I didn't hang around."