[ Carefully, their hand brushes a thumb against his cheek, avoiding the side with that mask. Wiping a bit of those smudging tears away. Gentle and light, ready to pull back if unwanted. ]

I understand. [ And oh, they do. Yves already is proving to be strong enough to still be here. ] I wouldn't want to wait, either.

[ That's the truth of it. Waiting sounds worse than dying itself. Their voice quiets, listening, before peering back at him. ]

If the other's souls are somewhere, maybe theirs's are with his. Charlie's soul wouldn't let his be lonely. Jing Yuan's too.

[ Quiet soft reassurances. Soothe those worries, chase away those fears. Do something for him after all that he's done for everyone. ]