Ah, well, for both of our sakes? I certainly hope she might understand. Otherwise asking for your aid might be harder than I first anticipated... [ There he goes once more, overthinking quite a few things. But, this time, he manages to stop himself and merely smile at her even if she cannot see it. ] Have you changed much since your childhood--ah, step to the right. There is a small indent in the pavement...

[ He grits through the pain and clenches his fist. After a brief moment he raises his head and waits until his voice might not convey the sudden pain he experienced. ]

I full well intend to have proper goodbyes this time. I... should apologize for disappearing as such the first time we met. It was a combination of my fortitude failing me and an emergency taking the city.