[ he straightens up again, settles into a more natural posture now that the two of them are on something closer to an even standing. ]

Fight for new things that will matter to you someday, then. For a brighter future. Or something.

[ a brief pause, momentary hesitation and he reaches out a hand to clasp the other's shoulder in a hopefully-not-crossing-any-lines kind of way.

(also in a comforting way, but.) ]