I glance at Kazuraba, offering him a small smile and trying to keep my weariness from bleeding into it. Knowing he has his driver is reassuring; there are few I trust as much as I now trust him. Real trust, not the blind trust I once placed in so many people that proved unworthy of it.

I look back to Ryouma, and he really does look like the Ryouma I once considered my dearest friend, my closest companion, and the keeper of my secrets. Minus the glasses, add in some age and weariness, but still so very similar.

I wonder how I appear to him.

"Ryouma," I move to take a step close to him, but stop myself. I'm not sure what I was about to say, what I want to say, or what I need to say.

"It is good to see you again." I settle on that, it's not untrue, and it is the easiest thing for me to get out at the moment, especially with Kazuraba near.

Not that his presence is unwanted, but there is... well he doesn't need to be exposed to all my awkwardness, and all the baggage I am Ryouma carry.