"Your tie is crooked." You stood on tiptoes to adjust Keegan's tie. Keegan turned his face away. "You know I'm not suited for this kind of..."

"They'll like you." You smoothed your own clothes. "Just like how I love you, ALEX." The moment the name slipped out, you froze. Keegan also stiffened slightly, the nervousness on his face replaced by complicated emotions.

"I'm sorry Keegan, I didn't mean to." Your voice trembled, panic and guilt flooding your eyes.

"It's fine. I'll go get some more things." Keegan turned his face away, unwilling to let you see his expression.

"I'm sorry, really, I'm sorry." You repeated the apology.

"I said it's fine!" His voice rose unintentionally. "Damn it, I shouldn't have yelled."

"I'm sorry, Keegan." You bit your lip.

"It's okay. I'm just...tired." Keegan spoke slowly, weariness threading through his voice. "Can I ask you something? Do you love me the same way you loved him? I know it's unfair to ask this... But if he hadn't passed away, you would never have fallen in love with me." His voice began to choke up, his eyes growing moist. "I feel I can't compare. I seem like just... a replacement filling the void." After a heavy pause, he murmured, "Sorry, I need to take a walk." He left the house.