[He tells himself he can't find it in him to believe that Celes would hurt him. Not anymore. And yet he takes a while to figure out how to continue. What sort of answer would earn him a foothold instead of a sword at his back. He works the tips of his fingers into the cracks in the stone and opts for the simplest version of the truth.]
no subject
Gesthal's done for. Has been for months.
[Years, even.]