[Dan Heng looks down and threads his fingers between Blade's, squeezing his hand unconsciously. His shoulders seem to slump a little, as if he carries a great, invisible weight. He shakes his head, but it's such a small gesture that he'd be forgiven for missing it.]

No matter how grossly misled he'd been, it was... still his choice. All I have left are memories... and regrets.

[He shakes his head again, more firmly this time.]

... But that is neither here nor there.

[The Vidyadhara looks up at Blade. His calm expression doesn't reveal anything obvious, but he does understand. They're both similar in this regard. It just comes from different places.]

As long as you're a little more careful, that will be enough. I won't like the recklessness and risks you take, but I also can't imagine you being anything else, either. I'll manage.

[But at least Blade won't go treating death like it doesn't apply to him. Whether it's true or not is irrelevant in the face of something taking that power away from Blade in a critical moment. The cabin incident is immediately brought to mind.]

That said... [He smiles. Soft and small.] I would've cared even if we didn't have this.

[Speaking of not having something. Dan Heng suddenly looks a little guilty.]

I also need to apologize. About the bracelet you gave me.