[He's there because he wasn't given a choice. He wouldn't be here otherwise. His initial plan may have been to just get out of Beacon Hills for awhile and try to clear his head. Try to give them all time to heal, away from him, without his face around as a constant reminder of what they'd lost. To come back after a few weeks.
His initial plan had changed quickly when Morrell had shown up in Van Nuys, and then changed again months later with the things he learned and still had to learn.
But what she says sounds just like Scott, always wanting to take the blame on himself instead of where it belonged. He draws in a slow breath before turning his head to meet her eyes once more.]
I wasn't kidnapped or brainwashed, no. It's not on either of you. It never has been.
[He draws his shoulders back, steeling his nerves the best that he can and keeping all emotion out of his voice.]