Noctis accepts Rose's assessment with more grace than one might expect, and with a more nuanced skepticism. But he fits Rose's expectations perfectly. The way he puts aside his recent trauma--to say nothing of simple post-coital awkwardness--to focus on others is both admirable and familiar to Rose. It's comforting, even, talking with an extraordinary, ordinary man.

She smiles a bit, bittersweet. "What a shame that your only choices are 'taking responsibility for everything' and 'taking responsibility for nothing.' " She pauses a bit to let her soft criticism sink in before continuing more softly, "I know what it's like to have a destiny to live up to, and I've seen what it does to people. It's never fair, or kind. But in my opinion, the most important thing is that when destiny called, you answered. Win or lose, weak or strong, right or wrong, the only thing we can truly claim as ours is whether we get back up and take one more step forward."

A pause. "Sorry. I'm not very good at 'warm and fuzzy' aftercare."