Helping a teammate adjust to this is the least I can do. [Even more so since it's a good companion of his. Since she bought it up though... he'll ask a question.]

What do you think of her so far? I know she just arrived recently, but she is someone you can trust.

[What does she think? As she flips through the pages of her book:]

She's a very capable young woman, and kind. I can see why she was made a captain.

[With that said, she looks up from her book, an unreadable expression across her face. Her voice is soft, well-meaning so that her words come across as encouragement rather than chastisement.]

I think you could afford to be more open with her. She worries about you, even when you mean for her not to.

You believe so? I apologize, being open isn't one of my strong points.

However, I'll make an effort to amend that. [Julius does want to improve except he struggles with being personal. He's thankful for Riza's suggestion.]

Thank you Lieutenant.

I believe being open and honest with those you work with can only improve trust.

[Everyone has their dark secrets and sordid pasts of course, but she's always believed that hiding those did more harm than good. (She could be wrong; she has been wrong before, on several occasions.) But at the same time—her shoulders relax and an understanding smile spreads across her face.]

But I also understand that talking about oneself can be difficult. It takes time and practice like any other thing.

[She's still not very good at it herself.]

We want you to let us know if you're struggling because we care.

I understand. Thank you again for being so courteous. [That's more than he could ever ask from a friend. Riza's so kind. ]

What I'm struggling with is...a problem relating back to my original world. It's not a simple matter that can be explained easily.

Did you have troubles with home before leaving, Lieutenant?

[He can't be the only one okay.]

Don't we all have problems of some sort where we come from?

[She says it with a wry twist to her mouth, almost cheekily, but sobers up immediately afterwards.]

There were problems I had to find a solution to, but they were issues I had support for and nothing I had to handle on my own. [For which she's eternally grateful for.] Why do you ask?

You're quite right, I was just curious.

Everyone deals with their own problems in a different way. We're both no exception to this.

[He feels a little silly for not counting on others as much. Maybe next time he'll talk to Riza with an open mind.]


Edited 2017-02-01 01:52 am (UTC)

You can always let me know if you need help with any of those problems.

[Next time....! For now, they've got Important Mission Preparations to cover, and she holds out her book, opened halfway.]

What about this outfit?

[With any luck, they'll get the hang of this in the next hour...]