[Now seems like the worst time to laugh at her getting misty-eyed, so he'll look away and pretend he didn't see it. That's the best he can do right now since she's decided to get all emotional about it!!]

I know I didn't. But I wanted to say it.

[For more practical reasons - like how it'd be difficult for Zephia to apologize for... well, everything - but also just because he felt like it. As weird as it feels to admit it, he kinda likes Alear. A bit. Mostly because she's fine beating him up sometimes.

So that's why he accepts her hand when she offers it, and that's why his expression's a bit softer than usual.]

Next time, make sure not to hold back any, yeah? I'm better at bein' a punching bag.

[...the words are the same as always, though.]