[ He hadn't meant to make Izō cry, but the tears don't really surprise him, either. Izō has always been someone to feel his emotions so strongly they come out like this. Ryouma can't judge him for crying. Instead, he brushes away Izō's tears with one thumb and leans over him to kiss his cheeks. It's so gentle and tender, an attempt to reassure Izō that he will never think less of him for anything. ]

Yer so much more'n what someone made ya into...I know it. I see it in ya, there's more in there and I wish there were some way t' make ya see what I see. [ Ryouma is fighting tears now, too, as his voice trembles. ] Izō, I...Ya wanna know why I left without a word back then?

[ If he's already laid himself bare, what's one more thing on top of it? Ryouma hugs him closer, like he's afraid Izō might disappear if he lets him go. ]

What I was doin' was dangerous...Leavin' meant death. If I took ya with me, that meant th' same for ya...I couldn't handle that thought, knowin' my choice might mean yer death. If I'd known what was gonna happen anyway...I woulda made ya come with.

[ Now the tears start flowing. This still feels so selfish...He kisses Izō's neck as tears fall silently down his cheeks. ]

Jus'...Come back to me when this all settles down. That's all I'm askin'.