[ izō has always been patient with him when it counts. he's grateful for that because it takes ryouma longer than he'd like for it to stop. he's not sure it feels better as much as he's wrung out until he just feels numb. ]

Since I got the letter back then that said what happened to ya. Couldn't move for a week an' Oryou thought I was dyin'. [ a forced laugh. ] Someone had t' come an' talk some sense in t' me. I couldn't lay there'n let ya down...

[ ryouma feels foolish and ashamed. still, he'll stay put a little longer if izō is allowing it. it's just nice to hold on to him. ]

Sorry. It's fine, really. Strong whiskey, I bet...

[ yeah sure, it's the booze. ]