We've been together for so long now. [ Ange says, almost breathing the words out more than she's saying them. Like they exist more in the bond between them than necessarily as words said out loud.

Because she gets the sentiment. She was afraid too - for the longest time. Isn't that why she didn't allow herself to get close to Ruby in the first place until she just couldn't avoid it anymore? Getting close to people just means you'll lose them. And losing them just means you're hurting yourself.

But if she hasn't lost Ruby by now, then surely she never would. ]

There's no way we could be separated now, right..? I've known you longer than anyone here.

[ She's been longer together with Ruby than she has with anyone ever. At this rate she's almost been together with Ruby longer than she was with her family when she was young. Even as friends came and went, even as people slipped in and out of her life-- ]

You've always been here. And I'll always be here with you too. As long as we have that, then why would we need anyone else..?

[ Ange reaches out, a hand against Ruby's statue-like cheek. ]

So.. come back to me, Ruby. Snap out of those thoughts. I want-- I need you here.