[ Krouse is close enough to feel Noelle's warm breath on his skin, hear the squelch of mucous-slick organs pulsing in time against one another. From here, Noelle can get a better view of his eyes. If Krouse thinks he doesn't have scars, he's wrong. His gaze isn't quite as intense as it used to be. He must be so exhausted, Noelle reasons. She wasn't the only one with a collar around her neck. Krouse's was just more difficult to see. ]

It's okay. [ Noelle says, surprised at the relief in her own voice, surprised that she believes it. ] I had to get my bearings.

[ That's a funny way of saying sob for Marissa and Oliver and Jess and Luke - and Cody, even, why the hell not. Her killers, her best friends, people she'll never see again. Noelle remembers the portal, and she still hopes they're safe, wherever they are.

Noelle keeps looking down at Krouse. It's just the two of them, again. Whether or not they're against the world is something for the world to decide.

A smooth, green tentacle uncurls itself from the base of Noelle's body. It reaches for Krouse, slowly, tentatively. It stops before it can touch him. Krouse has asked for permission like this so many times, albeit with different limbs. Noelle is pretty sure he knows what she's about to say before she says it. ]

Can I?

[ A more confident person would leave it at that. But even though Krouse is happy to see her now, Noelle still remembers all the guilt and horror. She won't ever be able to forget. ]

I - I won't absorb you. I'll take care of the clones. I know it's a risk, but -

[ Noelle cuts herself off there. She swallows, and lets Krouse make his choice. ]