Xaviers!

"Fine, you want the blame that badly? Take it." she says, though the usual bite is missing from her voice.

"Well what else am I supposed to think? You're bloody shaking."

"Shouldn't have let my guard down... you only get hurt when you do..."

"Well fine, it was a bad idea for either of us."

"Just... go. Take care of Will. You'll know what's the right thing to do..."

"...are you going to be alright, though?"

"I've been through worse..."

"...not what I asked," she sighs.

"I'll be okay, Sam." she insists.

After Sam leaves Miriam lowers her head until it rests against her knees, shaking with barely restrained frustration. Maybe it really is just her. Sam hadn't even hesitated in opening herself up and it was her that couldn't bear it. Too raw the feeling of... of... relinquishing herself? The loss of self? The pain wracking her thoughts had almost felt... The thought escapes her. Or maybe she doesn't want to risk the feeling of despair that lurks beneath it resurfacing. And if she gives in to that then she really doesn't think she'll be alright.

And now Sam is probably on her way to do what she came to ask permission for. To unleash the rest of Will's mental quarantine. She'd just given in because she was too tired to argue. Too hesitant to push Sam away and in return... Miriam grits her teeth and stands up straight, determination hardening her face as she stares the way Sam had left...