[ Again, it's Aidan's words in his head, that quiet moment when he'd fessed up and apologized only to be told that it happens, but that it was, in the end, okay.

Running a hand through his hair now, eyes fixed again on his beer. ]

Don't apologize, [ glancing over now, gaze faltering, justa little. ] You've... you've got nothing to apologize for, Rethe.

[ A light fist with one hand, around his lighter. ] And I--

[ Softly: ] I didn't mean to.

I was just really happy that we got to talk again. And that you played those songs. And... [ nodding, sheepish. ] I didn't feel so lost anymore. And then...

[ A helpless laugh. ]