[A loop of Fiddleford's tail slides around to press against Marco's waist and his arms curl around Marco's shoulders. One of the best parts of being a naga is that he's great at giving hugs, which works out nicely right now because both of them need one.]

If I had to take a guess, it's because you're desperate for somethin' to work.

[The weight of his past hangs heavy in the air. He's not going to say it outright. They both know. There's no point rehashing it in detail.]

Speakin' as someone who never feels like he's doin' enough.