[Comet doesn't deserve to deal with a fuck up like him, but regardless of knowing the truth - of hurting at Malice's actions - they still find a way to lift his spirits. Whereas before, he was always filled with a sense of trepidation at looking towards the future - of living with his guilt - now it feels... different. Not comfortable exactly, but something close to it. Because after all, Comet wouldn't say something like that if Malice hadn't made any progress at all, right? So he's being better to the people he likes here, and he's still damn determined to avoid any more fuck ups like that in the future. No matter what it is that someone has to offer him, he won't budge. Someone's gotta protect his friends, after all, and it might as well be him.

It won't bring Cody or the others back. But it will keep his resolve firm so he can be a better Malice.]

Thanks. For sayin' that. An' you don't gotta apologize - it's... gettin' easier to talk 'bout, anyway.

[He hesitates for a moment before deciding to hell with it and reaching out his good hand to gently pat Comet on the head. Pat pat.]

I mean it. Hearin' that you think I'm doin' better now means the world to me. I've been strugglin' with all'a this since arrivin' here, an' I am tryin' to do better. I'm gonna keep workin' at it.