Jack blinked in surprise.

Ray bites their lip and backs up, afraid they had said something wrong. They needed more practice in holding a normal conversation with other people. With themself, they had learned to just randomly blurt things out. With others, they had to remind themself to watch what they say because not everyone wants to hear it.

Jack came over and picked Ray up, looking them in the eye. "You mean those words? Do you?"

"Of course. Why would I say them if I didn't?" Ray asks, looking back at Jack.

He was silent, then hugged Ray close. "... I forgive you." He murmured.

Ray stood still for a moment before hesitantly hugging Jack back. All they could think was that they wished they could say the same for themself.

Jack fell silent, just holding Ray as if they were his only treasure.

Ray rests their head on Jack's shoulder and leans against him. They close their eyes, hot tears stinging the back of their eyelids. They couldn't forgive themself for everything they've done. They've made life worse for so many people. Ray didn't deserve to be forgiven. They deserved to be cast out and hated and cursed and killed for all that they had done. Ray was shaking, shaking with anger and fear angled towards themself.

Jack noticed and held them a little tighter, trying to comfort them.

Ray sucks in a tiny breath between their teeth, causing a funny whistle sound. Ray hugs Jack just as tightly, feeling a bit tossed about with the whole emotion roller coaster they had just went on. They had to be fine now because Jack needed them.