[Kavinsky poured him some whiskey, then some for himself. He was even kind enough to take Ronan's empty glass from him after the other boy had downed his drink to put it to the side on the night table again. He sipped his own a little slower, but still almost inhaled some when Ronan said his mother fell asleep after his dad died. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together, not that Kavinsky was stupid, but- the point was, he felt dread and shame creep over him as he thought of Prokopenko sharing the same fate. If he'd known- would he still have been so selfish?

When Ronan picked his head up to look at him, Kavinsky rubbed circles across his back. He didn't have the faintest idea what the black shit could be, but he had a feeling he knew what direction this was going. He knew Ronan had a completely different relationship with his parents, and just because Kavinsky's mom and dad were horrible douchebags didn't mean he couldn't relate to the deep pain of losing a loved one.]

Shit, man, that's- I'm sorry. I couldn't imagine- [He shook his head.] You shouldn't have had to see that.

[Downing the rest of his drink, he put the glass aside so he could wrap both arms around Ronan.]

I know I'm a fucked up asshole, but no one should have to find someone they love like that. Or something- your bird thing, too.

So this unmaker...

[He hesitated, and when he continued, his voice was softer.]

Did it kill you?