You shouldn't say things you don't mean, Maya-san. [He doesn't pull his hand away and allows her to keep squeezing.] But the fact that you're saying it now means you believe it on some level, and that's unusual coming from you.
[But he knows damn well how much a cheerful persona can mask. 90% of every person he's ever known (himself included) that put up a delightful front was hiding something underneath and the other 10% were vapid and shallow. Maya is not the latter.]
Is it just this mission? [He cants his head.] You don't have to tell me why if you don't want to. It's not my nature to say things to make you feel better or reassure you just because it's the polite thing to do.
[But he is still here, and if she'd like to expand on it, he's got a firm grip on her hand and the calming presence of an anime mentor who will handle any danger that might happen upon them as they take the long, more private path back to the Hotel.]
no subject
[But he knows damn well how much a cheerful persona can mask. 90% of every person he's ever known (himself included) that put up a delightful front was hiding something underneath and the other 10% were vapid and shallow. Maya is not the latter.]
Is it just this mission? [He cants his head.] You don't have to tell me why if you don't want to. It's not my nature to say things to make you feel better or reassure you just because it's the polite thing to do.
[But he is still here, and if she'd like to expand on it, he's got a firm grip on her hand and the calming presence of an anime mentor who will handle any danger that might happen upon them as they take the long, more private path back to the Hotel.]