[ A part of Alan just wants to stop, to stop trying to reach for Polaris or anything that might keep him from sinking deeper. Maybe he should just let the waves pull him down. He's not in control now, and he's not sure how long he can resist the pull of the waves.

Still, he holds onto the hand that reaches for him and he does his best to curl his fingers around it and not let go. Of course he recognizes the hand and who it belongs to; it's Jesse, but it's also Polaris.

I'm not sure how long I can hold on, but thanks. Thanks for being here.

He's not entirely sure how Polaris can reach him when Scratch has pushed him down, but he's not questioning it either. ]

For now, that's what I am. [ Scratch's smile widens as he entertains thoughts of a future he's trying to turn into the present. ] I'll have Alan's life, and I'll do all of it better than he ever could. He'll be the intruder in this dimension, and I'll be the one really living. And I'll do it with you with me, because I'll give you everything you could ever want.

[ But then Scratch's smile drops and an ugly look gradually appears in his eyes. ]

Packaged deals can be.... unpacked, if you know what I mean. You don't need her anyway, not really. And with me around, between the two of us, we can do anything we want, because we'll hold all the cards.