The sharp replies that were quickly becoming second nature were forgotten. There was a sort of comfort in this stranger, in this dark-haired adult, and Albedo wasn't on the defensive, as he usually found himself.

So instead of a scathing remark, Albedo pulled the notebook to his chest before curling in on himself. He didn't want... Didn't want this. Couldn't take that.... The boy shuddered, making a noise that sounded like a laugh. His voice was no more than a whisper. "I am, too."

None of this would have happened if Rubedo stayed.