To Be Alive[Rio, Igen]

His attempt at filling the air with conversation was appreciated, even if she didn't express that vocally. It cut through the awkward atmosphere that dominated the room ever since he entered. Any way of avoiding deafening silence was a godsend.

Of course, Rio recognized how Igen might react to her answer. In truth, she hadn't found any moment to enjoy a well-prepared meal. Prideful as she was, some aspect of her soul felt ashamed to enjoy anything in life after her miserable defeat. Alas, she could never imagine herself lying to the man in good conscious. Sighing softly, she answered plainly.

"No. I haven't exactly found time to do so. Even more so with how hectic things have been. New responsibilities, habits, and everything else that comes with a change in positions..."

"Hehe. is that so? That's good advice. My pride is both my greatest weapon and an occasional detriment. But perhaps a change in approach will do me some good moving forward."

Pushing forward, from her experience, was all she knew. Ever forward in perpetual motion, an immovable bulwark with a will forged in iron, a shield sworn to duty. Any of these descriptors summarized her well, but she still maintained her humanity beneath it all. Rio's mood seemed to brighten with each passing moment as he continued to heal and tend to each wound.

His advice proved to be as soothing as the spirit energy cleaning the blood from her gradually recovering wounds. Politely taking the ration from his hand, a small smile formed across her lips. There was something nostalgic about this. He didn't feel like a stranger right now. He felt like a friend sharing advice with her in a difficult time. Indeed, perhaps she was getting ahead of herself here, but even if she were, his advice seemed to ring true as she gazed up at him from her current position with an amused raise of the eyebrow.

"I didn't know you were so knowledgeable about the history of our former Captains, Igen... I'm impressed."

"Three months early, you say? I wouldn't expect anything less from my dear friend."

Rio paused for a moment after those words exited her lips. It was a bold statement, to be certain. There was no guarantee this man even wanted to share the same room as her, but the current atmosphere told her otherwise. At the very least, engaging with him again felt nice, if not somewhat awkward given the circumstances. Now that her body was properly healed, she could operate without issue.

Stretching her arms and legs, she slowly redressed as she listened to him voice his parting words. He was prepared to leave now, and they would likely not cross paths again until things settled down. Of course, the prospect of that happening any time soon was close to zero. As such, as he prepared to leave, Rio called out to him before he exited her office entirely.

"Thank you, Igen. Your advice was just the reminder I needed to get my head straight. Moving forward, I know things are only bound to get even busier, but if at all possible, I'd genuinely like to hang out with you again. Until then, take care of yourself and know you still have my support."