（ he finishes with his dishes, setting them on the rack to dry and turns as he dries his hands on a towel. his expression has not changed, is no less serious — but as he looks at newt, one corner of his mouth quirks up very slightly. ）

You were crying? （ there's just a faint note of surprise there, and he makes a soft, airy hm that is altogether very unlike him. ） It must have escaped my notice.

（ it's a way of saying he won't tell a soul — framed as gentle teasing.

after his hands are dried, he steps forward and — with some difficulty that is altogether more mental than physical — puts a hand on newt's shoulder. elegant fingers flex faintly — as reassurance goes, it is a poor, meagre thing. but it is nevertheless an attempt. ）

Many people care a great deal about you. I understand that it is easier to be alone, but — know that you do not need to be. （ gentler, ） I have faith that whatever you decide will be the correct thing.

（ about isolating himself? about making a second deal for his regrets? both, perhaps. he knows that newt cares very deeply about a great many things — would he have tested the pulsefire on himself if he hadn't? he does wonder, after his talk with what must have been the precursors, if it has healed as well as they implied. ）