Guardian gets the feeling they're forgetting something terrible.

They clutch their own hand to their chest. Isn't surprised when Drifter skitters back, or hurt. They simply find themself suddenly incapable of looking the Drifter in the eyes.

It's hard enough to do that with most people anyway, but there's a bitter shame in their mouth welling up like bile. Or blood.

"...I must apologize," they say, quietly, looking off to the side. "My ire wasn't aimed towards you."

It's not what they really want to apologize for, but they don't have anything else. Might as well.