Cole knows. The fears and anxiety and the 'what-if' that never quite quieted down. "No. You couldn't have done anything more. Five is his own person and always has been. You couldn't have stopped him any more than Sir Reginald could. Five did and does what Five wants. It's not your responsibility. It was never your responsibility."

Cole just holds onto Ben's arms, his tall, lanky form interposed between Ben and his fears, fingers squeezing and relaxing in a slow beat, almost like a heartbeat. Without his hat, his hair just hangs over his face, pale eyes staring out from almost bruised looking sockets, heavy with understanding. "You're welcome?" he thinks that's the right response.

"You don't have to come. You keep me safer, but if you want to go back, I'd understand too."