[She cocks her head at that answer, so steadfast, so simple. The truth of the statement she doesn't doubt in the slightest, but it seems too shallow of a reason.]

Is that all it is, a debt to be repaid?

[Hard to believe, after seeing the lengths each had gone to for the other.]

Ah, no. There's much more to it. My feelings are complex and difficult to explain.

I apologize.I am not good at this sort of thing. [It's hard for him. Julius always prioritizes all else over his feelings. When faced with it, he's at a loss. Maybe Riza knows this much already.]

[She smiles at that, sadly and softly.]

Feelings are always difficult, no matter what they are.

[Her own have always been twisted balls of string, so deeply intertwined with each other she no longer knows how to separate them all. Most of the time, it's fine. And then there are times like these when it's a curse, nearly impossible to live with.

But it's not her place to question his feelings or his relationship with Reika, whatever it may be. There'll be time for that later, time to slowly fix this gaping hole that's opened up between them.]

Thank you for telling me though. [About what he'd done, all of it.] I know it can't have been easy.

No, it wasn't. I was prepared to give up everything because of my own actions.

[He takes in a deep breath, still shaking from the anxiety.]

Not long after that I met you. I thought that I could forge a relationship with a clean slate. Even here the past haunts me.

You have regrets too, don't you?

[She sees his hand tremble and reaches out her own in response, a light touch of her fingertips on his hand, telling him that it'll be alright, that he doesn't need to worry.

Some of the light in her eyes dim, memory surging back once again and settling around her shoulders with a familiar weight.]

Of course. [A simple answer, a true answer.] Who doesn't?

[But at the same time, it's not the answer he deserves. Her hand falls away and she straightens.]

I'll tell you about them, after all this [Woodhurst, she means] is done. But for now, we have work to do.

[We, not he and she separately.]

Yes, we do. Thank you for listening to me...and being supportive.

I am loathe to admit it but my health is in poor shape. Would you mind giving me a moment?

I'll take some medication. [He'll be able to calm down afterwards.]

Edited 2017-03-24 03:29 am (UTC)

Of course.

[She remembers now of just how much Reika had emphasized Julius's health, currently declining rapidly along with the mission itself. Guilt lances through her heart briefly over her lack of foresight. Perhaps it's best if they head back, save any other discussions for another day.]

I'll take you back to your place so you can get some rest.

I appreciate it. Do you want to stay for a bit? I can fix you up a meal quickly.

I'm sure Reika won't mind.

[He's been learning how to cook on his own. Julius is just trying to show Riza some hospitality.]

[The hospitality's unexpected, even after so many months of working alongside each other. But it's touching too, and she smiles softly, nodding.]

That would be lovely. [With a wave to the door:] Let's head back then.