[There's something in her words that's so familiar, and perhaps so necessary, that it grips his heart with some sort of ache he can't name. Regret? Guilt? Wishful thinking? It's hard to say for sure, but he finds himself wondering how different things might have been if only she had lived. Maybe their little alliance would have worked. Maybe it would have been her talking sense into him, instead of Lightning.

That's a lot to put on her shoulders. But when things are bleak, you can't help but think of all the things that could have been done differently.

Noel is quiet for a minute, repeating those words in his mind. You're not alone. Somehow, it hits in a way it never has before, as if maybe he's needed to hear that for a long, long time. Because it's true that he's tried to be, he's tried to push everyone away for centuries. But...it's never been what he wanted. All he ever wanted was to be able to get close to people.

... Even if it scares him a little bit, these days.] Thanks, Serah, [he finally says, with a grateful sincerity that adds some gravity to his tone. He lets that tone and those words say it all, pivoting with her when she bumps his shoulder.]

You're right. Bet if we each take a side, we could haul this thing all the way back to town. What do you think? Ready to give it a try?

[Weird and crazy and kinda messed up as all of this is...in the end, there's no one else he'd rather be doing this sort of physical labor with.]