Niles took a slow sip from the glass. That smile could get Niles to do just about anything. It was the smile that kept jealousy from consuming him even when he knew the reason he wasn't always invited to hang out. Why they sometimes went to Connor's room without him. Connor was older, a few years ahead. And he was allowed his own room. They had privacy to...

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of those memories. It hurt too much to think about that, now. Now that Connor was gone. He frowned down at the glass, some how he'd already downed half of its contents. Trying to not think on it, he set the glass down and returned to the task of removing his boots.

"I can't stop," he responded, though minutes late. "We need to start collecting those memories soon if we're going to stay on schedule. We were already delayed by the theft..." By getting attacked. His fingers faltered on the laces, yanking them tighter instead of loosening them. "I can't slow down."