[He could argue she's already seen the real worst of it, injured and too close to death. Sprawled out in a ditch, leaves in his hair. But that isn't what she means at all, because all of that has been external. The things that if not easy to talk about are easy to see and make sense of.

What she wants is against much of his nature. To be at his best to the world around him, calm and in control of both parts of his heritage, it is how he interfaces with the world. All the hidden things, they're out of sight with reason. Not for fear of appearing weak (in the future that will be a fear, because it threatens the city and his position within it) but for fear of scaring off those around him.

When Sypha leans down, he kisses back, but it is with a tiny bit of fear that one day, this request will fail. I'll try. I'll try, I'll try.]

I understand, but as you say, it won't be easy. It...there are many complicated things that go into it. But there is time.

[Time because she came back.]