<sub>[ The way that Rex raises his voice is slowly something that Mark is growing accustomed to, so he doesn't bat a lash when he blurts out his hero name. Something about hearing Rex say his real name, though, is nice. It's more personal. It was a sign they were growing closer which is something that Mark hadn't thought about even bothering with back home. But here they just have each other, so it's something Mark is thinking about and watching to achieve since they started sticking with each other.

Those warm hands settle on the rounds of his shoulders and it is also another pleasant surprise— it's grounding— it's keeping him from completely losing it. The tears continue to flow, but he accepts whatever physical contact the other teen wants to give him. He's nodding, he's understanding and really taking in what Rex is saying. He doesn't even realize his hands lift and grip along Rex's shoulders and collarbone in response. He doesn't even mind the forehead touch right now, but it is very shockingly intimate and he will realize this in hindsight. But for now it's nice. ]</sub>

Y..Yeah, we're clear. You're right.. you're right.

<sub>[ He takes in a shaking breath and releases Rex, but he doesn't seem to pull away. It's relieving enough that he knows he can be as emotional as he wants to around him.

A big ole sniff. ]</sub>

I gotta get better. I'm going to get better and through all of this.

_{[ um yeah his number is going down again. Rex, you're just gonna make him disappear, aren't you? ]}