The pain of loss isn't one that Tidus can smother. Wanting back the people he knows, the one he doesn't; he feels it as fervently, lives it every day. Holds onto the need to save everyone lost like a lifeline, a reason for being. This is his life, this is who he is; he has nothing else. I don't have a home, all I want is to get them back.

And he can't lose Esteban too. Calling him desperately back through desperation, pleading, focusing on everything he knows Esteban to be, reaching out to the space where he was. Comfort, a friend, someone who cares and wants to help. Strengths that aren't disparaged, but right now, this, this isn't the way. Ignore the voices, that's not them, and Tidus believes this fully, deeply, knows it's not - but they'll still find a way, they will.

Each apology and regret pulsing through Esteban pushed aside, not given room to breathe or grow, not necessary. Just come back, is Tidus's plea, his want, his only want. Doesn't care for the rest, only to not lose friends.

The train and its platform waits, Tidus with his outstretched hand, a friend ready to pull out Esteban from the void - to bring him back whole again.