[ those nosy nosy neighbors who are going to be Gossiping about this and a few other things........

Heedless of Liem's austerity, the privacy of his person, it is on the doorstep of his home that Set leans his head down and presses his mouth to the center of his forehead. A breath escapes him, reassured that he did not meet a hard fate — recalling the last time that Liem had been dissipated, when he had slipped into Zenith and Set had known hurt he never usually felt when people made other choices.

( Just beyond Liem's hand, the slender ring he'd given Set remains boldly displayed upon his finger. )

He slips past the priest, one hand still on him, to tug him back through the doorway and wrap himself around him with renewed vigor. Fingers sinking into Liem's spine, holding fast to him as he curves down and toward him. ]

These battles are so frustrating. When you could benefit most with me at your side, I drive forth independently for our victories.

[ Which left Ruby to the mercies of Mordred; Gen, to be mutilated by Dimitri. Liem to... be left alone, as shadow closed in around him. ]

I wanted to apologize. For not coming to help you.