[ Ace watches Tear attentively, still thinking on her words even after she's finished her story. Suddenly, he finds himself filled with gratefulness for having been given the family he had never known he needed, even if it only causes the separation to affect him more. ]

So he's forged his own path, in the end, just as you're free to follow yours.

[ And the way she speaks of it -- with a certain kind of acceptance -- is a proof of her own strength. It's not like he needs any other, given he's merely a stranger that she's decided to confide in without knowing much, really.

Leaning forward to prop his elbows against the railing, he lets out an amused sigh. ]

Your story is safe with me, but I suppose this isn't what you expected when you bought your ticket today. There's no rush.

[ And he'd silently like to believe their first meeting isn't their last. ]