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“Anyone can see that’s not true, c’mon Zed,” Dago said.

Zed looked at Dago with a trembling lip. Dago frowned; something was really eating at the guy. He waited patiently for Zed to say something first.

“I-I’m just upset about Willow. It all happened so fast that there wasn’t anything anyone could do, I know, but I just miss her and wish I could do more to protect my friends,” Zed said in a flurry of words.

Dago was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. Zed looked down at his shoes in embarrassment.

“Moping around in the Library wearing oversized sweatshirts isn’t exactly honoring her memory,” Dago said gently.

“I know, I just… I’m weak, pathetic. Why bother?” Zed was still staring at his shoes.

“Because you have more friends and there’s always room to grow,” Dago said, trying his honest best, “You’ll get better, I know you will.”

Zed looked up at Dago and tried to half smile, “Thanks.”

Dago shrugged and grinned at Zed. That was simple enough to cheer him up, even a little. Zed suddenly looked pensive again.

“Dago, can I ask you something that might sound… strange?” he asked.

“Sure,” Dago said, raising an eyebrow.

“How come you’ve never made a pass at me?” Zed asked, after a long pause.

Dago had to stifle a laugh, “I didn’t think you would handle it well, that’s why!”

Zed looked a bit more depressed all of a sudden, “What if… what if I w-wanted you to?”