[ Ryoko doesn't respond right away. Her quiet is that of someone turning words over in their head trying to work out how to say them – and it really can't be overstated how embarrassing this sort of earnestness would be even if she wasn't resting her head in Akira's lap with his hand in her hair currently. She counts a few more beats of her heart and only makes it to four before she realizes that the matching throb in her head is starting to slow down and lose pace and intensity.

Maybe there's something to this after all. ]

... Mm. So am I. [ There. Just three words. Was that really so hard to say? ] It's frustrating not knowing what could be happening while I'm gone... and I know I have to go back. I'm needed there, for all sorts of reasons. But... it's like you said. If I was going to end up anywhere, I am glad it was here with you and everyone else.