[ ryouma praises izō's abilities because he truly believes in them. occasionally, though, he's way more perceptive than ryouma would prefer — like right now. ]

It's kinda like when I got hurt a long time ago..? They fixed me up but it wasn't the same anymore after that. It'd ache, especially with the weather, which is the stupidest way t' ever know it's gonna rain. [ more half-hearted attempts to lighten the mood somehow... ] It was frustratin' 'cause I'd think "why can't it just heal?" but it never really did, I jus' got better at ignorin' it.

[ ryouma detached himself from that whole ordeal back then, so talking about it now just makes it easier not to think about the way izō put it. he steadies his voice and refills their drinks. carrying on, as he does. he's had a long time to get good at it. ]

It can't be helped. Anyway, that doesn't even matter. [ what is he if not a master of compartmentalising everything? ] I feel worse knowin' she's out there somewhere probably thinkin' I left her alone again...

[ it's an easy thing to say without thinking. ]