[In the meantime, he's just trying his best to soothe the situation. It's not like Mandricardo didn't have enough rope, after all; Sakyou consciously chose to let it pass him by without reaching a hand out for it. It's not something he would ever fault anyone else for.

But of course, it's hard to see things from someone else's perspective when so deeply mired in your own. It's the same for both of them, for better or for worse.

He's quiet for several seconds, eyes still closed, just breathing. Feeling the hand against his face, which he hesitates to let himself lean into, but still does anyway. Hearing the reassurance. The return thanks, which he thinks is completely unnecessary but appreciates all the same. His chest aches and he smiles through it.]

...I'm glad. [That selfish part of him likes not feeling so alone.] I can't offer much in return, but I hope... even if it's selfish, I hope you'll continue to let me enjoy this. This share of you. And I hope that you'll let me stand with you too, as carefully as I'm able.

[It would be the best he can offer: to be there if he's needed, without stepping too far over the line, without coming too close and endangering yet another person he's come to hold carefully in his heart.

this will be very funny if one or both of them are dead tomorrow]