Rough going is still better then nothing.

[ And Aradia misses poor Tavros's internal conflict, stumbling instead over possibly bringing up her own death again by accident, and wow. This is a trainwreck. Why is a simple conversation so hard to work through?

But progress is progress, however slow it might be. Maybe it'll get easier if she keeps talking. ]

It's okay. Really. You were busy, with recovering and adjusting to everything, and... [ Her voice trails off, the awkward silence punctuated with a shrug as she tries to pretend it doesn't hurt. It's stupid and irrational. He didn't have to come and she doesn't blame him for not wanting to. ] It's not like I was going anywhere.

[ That. Sounded less awful in her head, oh geez. She freezes mid-shrug, her brain catching up to her mouth a second too late. Scratch that part about this getting easier - that was assuming she could avoid screwing up for two seconds, and that's clearly too much to ask!

Taking it back wouldn't work and she can't think of how to fix it. Quick, say something-- ] B-But it's okay! I didn't think anyone was- wait no.

[ That wasn't better. ]

... I should probably stop before I make it worse. Sorry.