[He's quiet for a long time, because he just knows that Theo is on the verge of tears - he can hear it in the other man's voice. Seven feels awful, he does - but only because he knows that his feelings won't change, and because he's at a loss when it comes to comforting Theo. He rubs his free hand over his eyes, and leans over until his forehead is pressed against the wooden hand railing. When he finally speaks, he tries to make his voice as gentle as possible. Theo is fragile, and the least he can do is not break him any further.]
I'm sorry, Theo. I can tell how much this upsets you, and that's on me. It's my fault, for not saying those words earlier. I just... I'm bad at this. Feelings and stuff. You know that, and so I copped out and never actually said it because I thought my actions would make that clear enough. I should have known that I was only leaving you room to hold onto hope.