He wouldn't have approached me to apologize, not when he thinks what he did was right. He was very lucid, and plain with his intentions.

I suppose if I had that level of "conviction", then I might not have needed to rely on a magical artifact to cause what I did in January. Either way...I can't change the past. I can't make it better.

[Ryou's ears slick back, and he lets out a snuff through his nose...which makes him realize he has a snout and not a nose, actually. He...might need to fix that later.

Holmes offering him mediation and sympathy...Ryou does appreciate it, but somehow it makes his insides twist. Someone understanding something that only Ryou thought he had ever experienced before Ryslig, it should make him feel seen. But he doesn't want to be seen on this matter.

Or maybe he does.

It's complicated. And his tail, much bushier than usual, is still glowing white at the tip, like it's on fire.]

...Thank you for the offer. I'm sorry I've made a mess of tea, but I didn't think...that is, I wasn't really ready for what you were going to tell me.

Maybe at another time, we can discuss...similarities.

[Which is probably the nicest way to put it.]