Her breathing paused at the sensation of another hand covering hers -- whether it was from her own growing discomfort with what she was hearing and absorbing ... or the simple surprise from the contact initiated by the other. Or ...

There was a slight shake of her head at his response. He just didn't understand. How could he? She should have been more responsible with watching him in this city of madness and illusions -- regardless of what she could and could not remember. Aqua adjusted the angle of her head, letting her temple press against his back instead so she could take a deep, private breath.

No tears.

Be strong.

"It's not like that. It's just ..."

How could she have even begun to explain it? How she felt. About being left in the dark, about her complete and utter lack of recollection, about ... everything.

"... I should have been there for you. I don't understand why I ..."

None of it was sounding right. As she slowly closed her grip around her composure, her voice became more distant.

"Can you tell me what happened?"