Re: in-person, silent hill: neil & mere.
[Up close, her face was torn flesh and blood; Neil couldn't bear it. He couldn't look. It was cowardly, he knew that, but when had he ever been brave? Cowardice was one of his less appealing traits but it was one that was difficult to rid himself of. Here, now, he was just fighting the battle to remain sane. Sane and alive. There was no opportunity for epiphanies and bravery. This, this wasn't brave. It was sheer survival instinct. Guilt climbed as he averted his gaze, listening as she said she'd try to walk, as her fingers dug into his arm.] I'll help you. I'll guide you. Just do the best you can, Mere.
[He supported her as best she could as she struggled to stand, letting her cling to his arm, his other hand (still clutched around the pipe) at her back. All the while he was trying to listen for the sound of approaching footsteps, anything that might indicate danger. Mere would be fine, she had to be fine. He had to believe that. They'd get out of here, she'd go to a hospital, and everything would be fine.]
Cris. Sam. Louis. [Slowly, carefully, he led her across the room to the door.] Cris is finding Sam. Louis is finding keys. We're all supposed to meet up to find the door out. [His throat felt thick and tight when she said she was glad he came, and he only managed a brief glance in her direction. God, he was such a goddamn coward.] I know you didn't mean for this to happen. I know. And of course I came. [Regardless of their relationship status, he still cared about her. They'd been together for years, that wasn't something that just went away. Love wasn't like a light switch. Neil would never, ever have wished this on her, not ever, and he was sorry that she'd ended up here in the first place. Sorry that any of this, all of this, was happening.]
Don't be sorry. [His voice was quiet, hoarse, and he tried again.] You have nothing to be sorry for, Mere. I just want to get you out of here.