He's showing up at the party - alone for the first time here. They've never seen him that way, the lonesome man he once was outside of this place, outside of his heart. He himself has never been a feeling stranger. And tonight he knows why. It's much harder this way.
Before, he could have put on a cape and cowl, a hood and armor. It would have fit nicely. Today however his clothing isn't deep and his breath isn't shallow. He's experiencing it all and sucking in every tremendous morsel of hurt.
This is what he had avoided, this is what he was without in her company, and this is what he opened himself up to...by allowing her in...far deeper than his pride would have ever let him. But that he let go too, and to be a better man, one who feels, and hurts, and isn't afraid of the mist in his eyes tonight.
