[ ryouma really couldn't ask for better than that. even if that's all it ever is, he'd be happy. it's more than he feels he deserves. ]

You're important to me too, Izō. [ another drink and then, more quietly: ] I'd feel the same even if Oryou was here too.

[ he doesn't know if he's been clear enough that izō isn't just a replacement so far. based on how drunk he got the last time he's thinking not. ]

Maybe after you're finished you can talk him into having that friendly drink with me.