[He's thought about it. He keeps thinking about it. The logical side of him knows there's no point, but the rest of him refuses to let it go. He hadn't meant for his plans with the young man to turn out that way, he'd thought to himself, but he realized that was a lie. How else was it supposed to end? He'd just decided the temporary pain he'd be causing was worth it, before. Why did his feelings change...?

Altius is silent for a few moments, and a clearly somber expression comes to his face, a troubled downturn to his lips.]

As much as I try to believe it's true that we'll make it back like so many have described, I still wonder if I'll get there in time.

[Lowering the watch in his hands until his arms rest on his legs and his elbow makes contact with their arm, he turns to look to Dante.]

The blood you saw on me when we met was his. The last thing I did before I arrived was hold him after he was shot. [He turns back to the watch, unable to keep looking at them, even if their presence is a comfort. There's a bitterness to his tone directed at himself as he continues.] Sitting here and trying to find ways to make simulated money while I still don't know if he's alright...

[It feels wrong.]