[ for once, he can't relish in getting his point across, nor could he take some invisible sense of solace in pointing out the hypocrisy of it all. perhaps, it's because just as she thinks, he's also a hypocrite. where he casts judgment, even knowing his own opinions remain unchanged.

... and should remain so. should.

in his life, such tenderness was rare. even from his own mother, though those memories remained relatively fleeting. no, perhaps it was simply easier to cast aside when all he's thought of was his survival. when she takes his hands, he doesn't pull away. instead, he watches her, as if processing the warmth of their fingers touching. actually, it isn't warm at all but he has a feeling if he recalled this at a later time, he might have thought it was.

it must be because her words are so ridiculous that they distracted him. ] It really is selfish. [ but, he doesn't feel that upset about it, really. ]

My lady, do you not think it's unfair to ask me for something so large? Especially when you have no desire to do the same?

While happiness might not be in reach, I think I could find some pleasure in claiming what's mine. [ he releases a small sigh. ] As a goddess shouldn't you be less focused on what one deserves, and just appreciate I am choosing to live?

[ ... and he always has, for better or worse. ]