[His heart leaps into his throat and he can scarcely believe her words. No one better? That certainly was a lofty statement. Darin has no doubt that Zelda has surrounded herself with people so much more capable than he. People that he wants to learn about. To see them through the princess's eyes.]

[He wants...]

[A short laugh escapes his lips at the thought. When the hell did he start wanting things like that? Maybe it was because of those eyes that see so easily through his facades— his bravado and anger. She truly sees him for who he is. Who he wants to be.]

[And that just stokes the fire in his heart to the point where the tears start to fall in greater abundance to match hers. He's crying out of shared loss and empathy.]

{Gods to think he almost left this behind.]

I...I want to to do better than try. I want to prove it can be done.

[His hand moves from her chin back to her cheek so that he can lean forward and touch his forehead to hers. Darin can't remember the last time he cried but in this sanctuary he won't allow anymore secrets between them.]

I want...I want to show you a world free of nightmares...

I want to be worthy of your praise...

[For two people who have known so much loss, who have always put the world before themselves, to be able to share their wants with another is truly freeing.]