The thing is, Lloyd doesn't really wanna go inside. He doesn't want to face Sheena and Zelos yet, not after that agitating episode, not with the shame that burns in his chest over losing his composure in front of Zelos, who's got his own shit to figure out, and leaving Sheena to deal with it. Lloyd doesn't want to deal with this, with this world, with this scenario, with the cruel 'fuck you' fate keeps spitting at him.

But he also doesn't want to stay out here and try to wait out something that won't fade away from existence just because he's ignored it long enough. Lloyd Irving has never run from his problems before, really, and he's not going to start now, not when there are other people who could use his help. He might be broken, he might be shattered, but he'll do what he can. So it's best he staples his heart back together, whips his mind back into working order, and fakes it till he makes it.

Lloyd needs to get Sheena home, after all. No matter what it takes.

He strengthens the weak smile on his face, shrugging a little nonchalantly, trying to force the strain out of his voice for the sake of tugging the concern out of Malos'. "I'll be okay. It was just - Zelos reminded me of someone, is all. I wasn't ready. But - I'll get over it. I'll be okay."

Without waiting for Malos' response, he turns and starts walking towards the safehouse, closing his eyes and exhaling quietly as soon as his back is turned. No matter what it takes.