"You have no idea...", he started. Took a sip from his cup, staring into it. He tried to look at her but it was difficult. Those eyes that tortured his sleepless nights so long ago. Yet for her, he suddenly thought in sadness, it was so much more recent. His pain faded while hers was still much fresher. Friends for life they swore as small children. Later, they all but promised each other they were together for life. And yet now, two strangers. She might think I'm still the Rex she knew.<br/>"You have no idea how many times I used to imagine this moment. Even in this shop. Early on, I saw it in my mind as we sipped hot chocolate. Yet now all I want to have is the most potent whiskey." Seeing the small shock flash across Aoi's face, "I have seen and done things that only the hardest of spirits can soften inside. Things I never foresaw that horrible day I left."<br/>Looking up from his cup, his heart sank seeing her bottom eyelids both filled. Don't blink, he begged inside his mind.. please don't... but she did. Two drops spilled onto two cheeks. Before he could catch himself, his two thumbs softly wiped the tears away.<br/>Closing his eyes, Rex begged himself to keep composure. You are no longer that softhearted boy. Do not.. no, do not lose yourself here. You lose yourself and your awareness fades. What if certain people walk by and see you in here while you are having a moment.<br/>Sitting up... taking another long drink of the splendid nectar, "Do you remember old Krendal who taught the art of fighting?" He saw her faint nod. "When my parents disappeared, he pulled me aside when I refused to listen to him. He reminded me of what happened to your parents and how he saw the rage inside your eyes when he first started training you. He then saw it in mine when mine vanished."<br/>"Being older than when you had your rage, he knew I was in a state of mind that couldn't be reversed. It would either destroy me... or maybe I could take measures..."