For one very frightening second, Jag considered being the reason that Val wouldn't go. Then he thought better of it - Val could have gone long before now, and he hadn't, so he was just one more reason not to go, at best. Or worst.

Before his own issues could rear more of their ugly heads, he focused back on what they were actually talking about.

"Things could be so much better, though," Jag answered, thumb stroking his shoulder. "It could change your entire life. For the better."