Zechs feared the same thing, but thought it would be Tyki who would reject him. All of this twisted emotion within him was caused by one central event. He wanted to help the Noah. It wasn't for his own gain, and it was only out of his own ego in that he thought he could succeed in assisting his lover. Despite everything else - he couldn't see his sentiments changing.

But cringed nonetheless, hearing the implication, and feeling yet more guilt. It had only been two weeks for him - what must have it been like for Tyki? Zechs felt like a cad. Head bowed, he said softly in return, "I am so sorry it had been long for you."

When Tyki leaned against him, Zechs hesitated himself, then quickly brought a hand up to cradle his face, run his fingers through the man's hair. It was so long now. He closed his eyes, and allowed a part of him feel joy that he could do this. Even if part of him was anguished all he had done was in vain.

"... Your Noah had consumed you," Zechs murmured, as if confirming the knowledge for himself. "And ... you were in no danger."

He really hated himself in this moment. God damn it all. Hakuba was right. His expression was tense. Or was he? Could Zechs have been expected to merely wait, and do nothing, like some Victorian damsel? "... I had seen it. Yet ... you had fought admirably, my love. I ... Unless I had somehow seen ..."