[Casey listens quietly the whole way through, then sits in silence for a little while longer. He understands their concern, and the meaning behind the request. This is different from the usual things he talks about, old pains and losses and fears, not easily overcome but not present, either. They're in the past, and he's managing them. Talking about it, walking through it, grieving, finding new joy. There are paths to overcome it. This is... fresh. A newer wound, laced with poison he can't easily treat. When he lost his future family, he'd had no choice in the matter. He was a witness to it, flung from situation to situation, not the cause but not the solution either. With Leo, it being his choice changed everything. He's been stamping these thoughts down from the beginning, and it has yet to get easier. Only sometimes, like he'd said. But enough to remember the problem.

Finally, his answer comes in a whisper,]

I know it... hurts you. I wish I never thought any of this. [He wishes the Krang never came to Earth, he wishes he'd found the key first like sensei wanted him to, he wishes the choice to make a sacrifice was never on the cards, he wishes Leo's plan had worked perfectly-] But if I can't shake it off, I'll... I'll tell you.

[He hesitates again, then swallows it back and looks up, trying to regain some of his faltering strength. His hands find theirs, his hold urgent, still a little shaky but not letting go.]

Listen. This isn't... please don't misunderstand. I-I don't... want to die. Even when I think this stuff, it's not... [He exhales, tremulous and heavy, takes a deep breath in.] It's not that. Sacrifice isn't...

[He trails off, reluctant to say the word lest it somehow manifest itself into some terrible new fear. It's not that. It isn't good, but at least it's not that.]

...I want to live. So d-don't... don't think I'm going anywhere. That's not the plan.