"You're different than me. Which is why I talk to you first. Maybe it means I end up just doin' property damage. Maybe I don't take the hits, no more."

He kind of hated the thought of not taking the hits anymore.

"But there are still monsters out there. And there's probably mech hidin' around Gaia, too. Not like I'll be starved for excitement or anything."

He shrugged, and then tentatively moved forward to loop his arms around her waist.