[ Gasping for air, choking on sobs, Junpei lifts his trembling head to reveal his fringe is now a cluster of smaller tentacles. They squirm energetically as his eyes go wide with panic and he’s trying to scramble shakily to his feet. ]

Not here … ! I can’t transform here! I need to get …

[ He’s trying to focus. To bring himself back from the brink. Hands going to cover his face so he can’t see Murphy. Can’t think about those nights snuggled up close to him. Where he felt safe, and wanted, and loved. ]

… why didn’t you wait until I got home?

[ It hurts to say. To be cross with him. When all he wanted was to adore him. To bask in his love for him. That thing of comfort in a heartless world. ]

If nothing is going to change, why even bother telling me?