[ Parsee's words remind her, vaguely, that there's a dull ache in her hand, something left over from when Angelo was trying to pull her back from the shadowy creature. It's enough to bring her attention to her animal friends, crouching down and patting them both as they continue to nudge and nuzzle at her sides. There's even a depth of her feelings reserved for the two of them, a jealousy over how simple their love for her is, how it isn't marred by the pain of loss and fear.

With a sigh, Rinoa sinks out of her crouch and into a sit, looking up at Parsee with a tired, unhappy light in her eyes. ]

You think I'm stubborn? You live like this all the time... [ For a moment, it might sound like she's jealous of Parsee's misery, but the next sentence clarifies the feelings swirling in her gut: ] I couldn't do it. You're... so strong.

[ A pause, and then she adds, tone bitter: ] I kind of hate that.

[ So much for not being ashamed of needing others. ]