[But he's already failed, hasn't he? He's already broken under it. Still wakes up at night with the taste of Steak's blood on his tongue. Something he can't wash off no matter how hard he tries.

He hopes that Steak will get the hint and leave, but of course he doesn't. Feeling him coming closer is like an itch that can't quite be scratched, something that makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, and he's tense and ready to lash out the moment the other Food Soul makes the mistake of laying a hand on him.

But it's a soft brush, not the rough grab or shake that he was bracing for. The ghost of a touch against his knuckles and he looks down, unclenching hands he hadn't realised were curled in so tightly.]

I've never been without you. [He mutters thoughtfully, eyes cast down.] I don't know what a life like that would be like.

[Quieter, probably.]

You're not going to let me drive you away from me, are you, Steak.