Adam listened to Allegra’s words silently, thoughtfully, carefully. And though he hated the idea of her carrying any more guilt over something that she had already done everything in her power to fix, especially after he’d been so cruel about it the past week, he could see and understand the girl’s point. “I didn’t take the time either,” he interjected, just to clarify that his own inability to be anything more than a pathetic lovestruck schoolboy at that time wasn’t entirely Allegra’s fault. He should have known to pause, to think with his head instead of just jumping into something simply because he had wanted it for so long.

But Allegra’s understanding meant a lot. Especially after the awful week they’d just been through, her ability to empathize with someone who’d just broken her own trust amazed him. How did she find the strength to be kind, and forgiving, and supportive when she had her own healing to do? When her wounds were probably so much worse than his own? Again, that uneasy, heavy feeling washed over the Slytherin as he took in Allegra’s words and expression. It was difficult not to believe he had been unfairly fortunate, that he couldn’t possibly deserve any of this. He wasn’t sure if it was an objective observation or if it was insecurity teasing him.

As Allegra decided that he should take the time he needed, Adam smiled faintly. “Thank you, Moon.” He lowered his hand from her expression, taking her own little hand instead. It still wasn’t easy, the idea of separating from Allegra, even if she expressed understanding and it became more of a mutual agreement than a bitter, one-sided decision. But it was relieving to know she understood, that she didn’t think he was doing it to get away from her or because he didn’t want her. That it was simply another step in their reconciliation, one that had been long overdue and delayed.

Absentmindedly, the boy raised their entwined hands, pressing a kiss to Allegra’s as he often did, his expression cloudy with thoughts. “I think… we both need this time, y’know. You’ve got things to figure out too,” he pointed out softly, somewhat warily. “How… how do you feel?”