Another's distress made one disregard his own. A hand reaching in need was always taken. Nigredo watched Albedo for moments longer than necessity required, before he allowed his eyes to drop and his digits to squeeze, to comfort someone who wasn't himself. Who was more connected to the situation than Nigredo, for the break came from this one's own twin.

It wouldn't be right, otherwise. After everything, an attempt at harmony would be selfish on his part, an insult to what he had promised.

Nigredo steadied the internal tremors and attempted calm. Rubedo would be fine, regardless, but Albedo... "No one will blame you if you can't," he told the other, "and I will be with you no matter what happens."