I can't abandon you, Skippy. I'm trying to keep you at arms length to keep you safe, and I keep coming back anyway.

Don't you get it -

[there's a harsh exhale, a noise like he's gripped too hard on the phone with a crackle of movement. the emotion is raw in his voice, wanting nothing more than to prove he'll be back. that they can weather this storm like any other.]

I can't stay away. Can't let you get hurt, but I can't...christ - [there's a choked laugh, frustration bubbling up and a muffled noise like he run his hand over his face -]

I'm only human. I'm never gonna stop wanting you. I saw what a life without you looks like, and it was worse than anything I'm dealing with now.

There's no magic bullet, no answer I can give you that'll make you trust me overnight. I know that. But I'm still gonna try, until you tell me no forever.