( When he looks up again, the small smile's back on his face. A little less sad, a little more appreciative, but barely-there because he's never really been one to wear his emotions too visibly. Not unless you know him well enough to know what you're looking for. Everything he feels, even the good things, are usually subdued.

But Jack does actually look better these days. A lot better. Healthier, and more present, and certainly better smelling — although the ocean water and sea salt they've both been drenched in probably isn't helping him live up to his full potential right now.

The point is, he's gotten through it, and out the other end, and right now isn't about comforting Jack. He does let himself slow to a stop, he lets Cassian plant that hand on his shoulder and doesn't shrug it off, but he's not keen to dwell on his sordid history for too long. )

It's okay. I don't blame you. What happened was weird, and if you're not used to that kind of thing... just like the stuff that's been happening lately, it's a lot to take in. But you're right. We can't change the past, we can only try harder so that maybe we can change the future.

( That's why he hasn't given up on learning magic, and that's why he's here today, helping people, using those skills to rescue sailors. As practice. )

So maybe next time, when it really matters... When it's Kyle, or Yen, or you, I'll actually be able to save you for real. That feels a little less helpless and hopeless, to me.

( Just... you know, in case the idea of a reframed perspective helps. Somehow. )