Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season [Kyo, Elyss]

"That so? And why's that?"

Most guys probably would have dropped the subject, ignored it or simply done their best to avoid making it worse. But Kyo was a man who faced every issue directly, who didn't see a single bit of value in sidestepping problems like some kind of pansy.

"If you'd rather not hear that kind of thing out of me, that's fine. But I'm not saying you're hot to make you feel some sort of way, or to get in your pants. I'm saying it because it's a fact, and I don't shy away from the truth."

Crossing his arms as he leaned back in his seat, Kyo turned his attention briefly to the ocean. Honestly, he wasn't used to these sorts of interactions, but he'd manage.

"I've never regretted anything in my life, and I'm not starting now."

"Most people are too weak to talk like real men, too afraid of the consequences of what they'll say. As far as I'm concerned, if you're going to say something, you better say it right, and if it's too much of a problem, don't say it at all. Sickens me, hearing all the idle gossip and chitchat passed around."

Gripping his own arm just a touch, in a gesture that gave away his actual irritation at the people they both worked with, Kyo simply sighed before uncrossing his arms and taking a few moments to compose himself, to enjoy the coffee he'd been looking forward to.

"Any time you need an honest word, give me a call. A real man says everything boldly, otherwise it's barely worth hearing. I'd sooner drop dead than hold my tongue."

There was something about her, the way she spoke, carried herself, that Kyo realized was rather far from anyone else he'd spoken with on such a personal level. It was a genuine world-weariness, a sense that she had seen more than she wished to. Despite Kyo's passion for life, for action, he could only admit that it was saddening.

"I'd never even think of it. I'd say the same to you, but if I'm bein' honest, it seems like that's not the advice you want from me. Not that I'd ever change my advice just because of what someone wanted to hear, but I don't think it's the advice you need, either. I could be wrong, though. Wouldn't be the first time."

Watching her gaze move to the ocean, Kyo stood without a second thought, honestly not even needing to hear her statement. He held out a hand to her with all the confidence in the world, a hand simply offered to help her up as one would a friend, far from any sort of romantic gesture, and though he smiled, it was not his typical cocky grin. It was more reserved, more even. But, given who he was, there was no doubt it was every bit as genuine.

"Then let's get out there."

"Maybe it doesn't always do good, but I don't think lying is the answer either. Eventually, whenever they do hear the truth, it'll make the lie seem more mean-spirited, don't you think? Better to just not say anything if you'd need to lie."

Kyo wasn't the sort to hold onto Elyss' hand for this sort of walk, given the situation, though admittedly he'd do it if she felt the need to hold his. Either way, he walked down onto the beach with her and down the sandy banks, not really used to this sort of environment. He didn't mind it, but maybe that was just the company now.

"If you don't think you need advice, then I won't waste your time giving it. Be better to wait for when you do need it, eh?"

"Hey, I just always give my honest opinion. No sense in asking for an opinion if you're not looking for the actual answer, I think."

Kyo followed along on the beach, watching Kyo with both curiosity and a faint degree of sadness. He couldn't pretend he understood whatever it was Elyss had gone through, so he wouldn't try to. But he wouldn't just let it lie, either.

"Nah, I don't think that's true. I know a thing or two about that kind of project, and it's just about taking your time to really do it right. Not everyone's got the patience for it, or the right kind of eye. Not their fault, just how people are. But any cleanup job can get done without losing a thing, if you've got the right person doing it."

Obviously, Kyo understood the metaphor. He even knew how to continue it. He just didn't care for metaphors.

"I'm not a guy who's got all the answers, and I don't pretend to. But hey, I just about handled this cleanup all on my own. If you feel like I can help with yours, just say the word and you've got it."