His initial acceptance had indeed surprised her, almost worrying the melodist until it became quite clear that he had come to understand the gravity of what she meant, his reaction strong enough that this time there was no stopping her reaction to try and reach out for him. Ultimately, she was left with her hand half-outstretched before bringing it back toward herself, knowing there was little she could do to ease that despair.

Yet she had also almost pulled back when he brushed her hair away, stopped only by his trembling. The whole time they had been foolish in assume they would continue to circumvent death, becoming far too comfortable and reckless until it had been too late. Had they been more careful, the tragedy might have been prevented... Ace wouldn't have had to lose his world.

It was a truth she knew her future self had battled with constantly, after feeling life leave the boy right in her arms. But there was no denying the choice she had made in the end, and she could never apologise to him enough for it.

"Ace..." Her voice was strained, small beneath the weight of her own emotions even though she believed they couldn't compare to his. Maybe it was enough to communicate that there was still more to the tale, for once again she was failing to find the right words to say.