[ action ]
[ ...some of the tension eases out of his posture, and he coaxes Earnest up onto his shoulder, so that he can -- cover Lelouch's hand in both of his. thank you. it helps. ]
I'm still sorry. [ very soft. much, much more sincere than the apology he gave for Kallen's benefit. ] I should have-- [ stops himself, and gives Lelouch a tiny crooked smile; he's trying, see. ] ...I wish I hadn't let any of it happen.
[ now Earnest is batting at his hair. it only slightly undermines his seriousness. ]