"He told me," Nida grumbles, reaching up to pull at his hair. And maybe lightly bang his head against the wall. Very lightly. "And that? That's when it really hit me. Knowing that he didn't want anyone, and how it hurt to know that I didn't have a chance."

Why is it off limits? Nida shifts to look at Seifer, because really, that's a stupid question. It's off limits because it was put off limits. Told no, but not in so many words. Different words that filled in the gaps of what wasn't said. Left an ache in him. Still he'd stayed there so long into the night, pressed close to Billy, holding his hand, refusing to help.

"Does it matter why?" Nida asks, finally focusing, steeling his expression. "I'm a SeeD. We adapt quickly. I'll be over it soon and I can just be friends with him like I should be."