[ trying is the hardest part for both of them so jyn can't begrudge him for any repetition during the process. reacquainting themselves with the idea of normalcy after a lifetime of war and upheaval was always going to be an uphill climb. they're allowed room for missteps and reassurances.

except: ]

I don't want to make you happy, [ jyn blurts out, pulling a face immediately afterwards. ] I want you to be happy but I don't want to be the reason. [ her nose wrinkles up, feeling like she's explaining this improperly because it is so clear in her head, but it's not coming out the way she would like. ]

I want you to be happy, but I don't think it should be dependent on me, or either of us. It would be too much pressure. I want you to be happy with me, but I want you to be unhappy with me or angry with me. I don't ever want you to feel like it's your job to make me happy. Does that make sense?

[ she hopes it does because it does feel like Too Much otherwise. she knows that isn't what he means, either, that his happiness is solely on her shoulders, but the slight pressure in her chest at the idea that she alone could be responsible for cassian's happiness was enough to blurt out those first words. ]