[ In her defense, it's only been hours since she saw his past self. The differences would be noticeable even if she didn't make the effort to look. ]

I think you'd look nice with long hair. Though if you prefer shorter hair, I can cut it for you.

[ She's cut her own and a lot of other people's hair; since they have some downtime now it wouldn't hurt to ask. ]

You'd do that for me? I appreciate the offer. It's quite alright however.

[As long as it stays out of his way he doesn't care. Reika's generous to offer assistance. Maybe later he'll take her up on that sometime in the future. ]

When I keep it tied up, the length is not a concern for me.

Anytime.

[ Whatever works for him, she'll respect it. Though judging by that length, it's probably as long as it was when he was still the Singularity. A sobering thought if anything, but she was sober in the first place.

Her mind keeps going back to his mental state right now, but there isn't enough observation for her to make any sort of judgment. So she resorts to sitting in silence and consuming her biscuit, gaze not quite falling on him so she doesn't appear as if she's staring. ]

Edited 2017-01-02 04:41 pm (UTC)

You must be tired. [When Julius first arrived he was pretty worn out. He imagines that Reika must be going through a lot right now trying to adjust. It wouldn't be fair to give her a hard time right away. ]

Feel free to rest here. [Slowly he begins to pour Reika a glass of water. ]

[ He's being very kind, which reminds her a little of her early days in Blood. So much has changed since then. ]

Thank you. [ Yet, all the topics she can think of are related to work. ] Do you have your Arc with you? Mine was taken and kept by the staff here. Is there any way to acquire another sword?

My arc is sealed away. I kept it hidden under wraps.

[He hasn't used his god arc in a long time. Maybe it's better that way. Reika can understand why he chose to wrap it up. There's always risk using it. ]

You can acquire weapons during our field missions. It comes with a small price.

[ So the same happened to him. Perhaps they developed a standard procedure after he came here. ]

I see. I'll work on it then.

[ It brings to mind what she would use to train for, but she can settle that later. ]

Would you mind showing me around Oska sometime?

Whenever you're ready, I can guide you. There's a lot of facilities you should familiarize yourself with.

For now, allow me to arm you with some stun grenades. It should be useful. [He's only used it like one time during his excursions. Reika might find it more handy because she doesn't have much options. ]

Thank you.

[ And then she falls silent again, unsure of what to say. She's usually good with silence, but not this type of silence. It's calm and yet there's unspoken tension in the air; so she merely looks into her glass as if looking for words within it. ]

If I may ask, where are you going to rest for the night?

Have you found somewhere to stay? [Maybe she has or maybe she hasn't. It's hard for him to tell just now. Julius wants to know her plans for the future if she's got any yet.]

I haven't been assigned a room yet. Is there somewhere I should go to apply for one?

[ Do they just expect her to sleep outside?? ]

Just find an unoccupied room and use the key. No applications are required.

Would you...consider living here with me? [He just wants to keep her close by. It's been a year and he really misses her. In the end, it's Reika's decision.]

[ She's about to point out how strange it is to not have an automated or at least policed system, but then he drops that kind of question. They are teammates and she'd trust him with her life, but it doesn't change the fact that they're different genders and it's quite awkward.

Still, she can't leave him alone. She can watch for him better this way. ]

Of course. But... it's a little small, could we get an extra bed or something similar?

That might not be possible. This room has little space.

How do you feel about sharing it? I personally don't mind. [It'll be a little awkward yeah. He doesn't know how comfortable Reika is with that. Perhaps it's best if she gets her own room instead. A lady needs her privacy.]

[ THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY. She's.... not ready for that yet. It's too close... ]

I can sleep on the floor, it's not a problem.

[ Great, now she's blushing. ]

I see then. If that's acceptable to you then be my guest.

Although, I'd prefer it if you had used the bed instead. You may catch a cold on the floor.

[He'll figure something out. ]

It'll be fine. I'm strong enough. Don't worry about me, okay?

[ God Eater physiology aside, she'll be trying to figure out something on her end too. It's not like they don't sleep on the floor during survival missions, anyway.

Though she's not sure if his not minding comes from his objective attitude towards things or just because he misses her. She had missed him for a long time back home, and she hasn't quite emptied herself of those feelings just yet. It might be nice to sleep together but she's too shy for that right now. ]

I suppose....

[Julius looks down with his eyes wavering. Looks like he's afraid of something but he isn't speaking up about it. He's honestly scared that he might be separated from her the second he looks away. His silence is a sign that he's troubled.]

[ She's had to learn how to read his gaze to try and divine what he's feeling; it's not telling her anything good right now. And yet... ]

If anything is on your mind... you can tell me. I'll help you.

[ Does he even speak to his friends about this sort of thing? ]

During my last mission, I wasn't performing at my peak. I was distracted. [He's doing his best to open up to her. Julius knew she might tell him that. Normally he keeps all of this locked inside. For Reika it might be okay. ]

My mind kept wandering to you and our comrades. It's unlike me to behave so inadequately even with this circumstance. This is unacceptable Captain Reika. What should I do?

[ Reika has to think. A few moments while she listens with full attentiveness - it seems he hasn't told this to anyone, which is explainable given his circumstance. Yet, it seems to be causing his problem while simultaneously being a result of it.

He needs support, that was what. But she doesn't know how to say it with sufficient delicacy. ]

You missed us.

[ An obvious observation, but she supposes she has to assert it. ]

You've spent too much time alone. [ By one means or another. ] I can't turn back time to change what's already happened, but - I'll accompany you. You'll feel better if I'm here.

[ And she'll make it happen by any means possible. ]

Thank you. You're right, I can only try to correct this in the future rather than regretting what is done.

[There's no use in that. Julius doesn't want his life to be stuck at a standstill. He knows Reika's competent and she's already offering him wise words.]

[ That's better. It also means she has to keep a closer watch on him from now on; it seems she has her work cut out for her already. ]

Yeah. We have some downtime before the next mission, right? We can rest and catch up.

[ Taking it easy seems to be best for him right now. She offers him a slight smile. ]

Sure, that's a good idea. I have much to tell you.

[Julius wants to catch up with her too. One year passed and he's grown. Reika will find out for herself. Talking may be the only way to ease his grief. ]

[ To that, she nods and downs the rest of her water. He looks distressed, but it would be very unwise to push him when he's not ready. ]

Take your time. I'm never in a rush.

[ Not when it's him. ]