[ there's a point where he feels it in his fingers, the ache of trying to lift so hard, the pressure of resistance from the large broken debris unable to lodge itself free. the strain of it is on his face, smeared with dirt and dust, a trickle of blood along the side of his head, either from an earlier fight with the kaiju or pieces from the explosion flying out against his head, red alongside the sweat.

but he doesn't stop trying, not until he's shaken out of it by the sudden touch from her hand, his lifting strength finally easing as his widened eyes turn to look at her, breath panting hard.

promise me you'll go.

his eyes squint like he's not sure what she's trying to say, even while her message is completely clear. without even processing it, he's already shaking his head. ]

No.

[ it's firm, unshaken, and his eyes stare at her like she's offended him by even suggesting it.

the timer beeps but he isn't listening, even as he reaches for her again, hand cupping her chin to keep her eyes directed to him as he leans in, voice stern. ]

You already promised me. You promised you'd be there, right? Whenever I needed you? Well, I need you now.

[ he nods, like he's somehow convinced she's forgotten, that he needs to remind her. but then he swallows, eyes red, like the dust is stinging them, or something else altogether. ]

You said, don't go where you can't follow. So until you can come with me, I'm not going anywhere.