[ 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. ]

Yes. We can speak like this whenever we return to Oska.

Why don't you take a nap? [She shouldn't over do it. Reika just got here after all. Julius ushers her to the bed where she can sleep. It's still early so he's not going to use it anyways. ]

[ She is tired, from all the trucking around that she's had to do and dealing with the implications of suddenly being in another world. Taking a short nap doesn't seem like a bad idea. ]

I could. Do you mind? Will you be bored?

[ She takes a seat on his bed and runs one hand over the sheets. ]

No, I really should check on my plants. You may rest for as long as you wish.

[Julius won't be bored. It was nice of her to be concerned. He's still worried about her though. It'll be easy to keep an eye on her while she's asleep. That's no trouble to him.]

[ All's well then. ]

Okay. Thanks again.

[ Feeling rather strange, she takes off her uniform jacket and folds it neatly beside the pillow. His bed smells grassy, but there's the distinct tang of blood lingering in the sheets. She has to wonder if he's still injured even now; but given his movements it doesn't seem so.

Even if she has her eyes closed, it takes a while for her to actually doze off. Much of her hearing is trained on him and what he could be doing. ]