He smiled at her, the smile she'd taught him, "I know. I miss you too." He watched her hand but did not take it. "But I cannot go back. Being only a part of what I am, it is not good. If I forget who I am, others will do the same. I have lost too much for that to happen." Perhaps he wasn't a great person for putting his own interests over her, but he'd never said he was very good.

"I'll tell my people where to go." He looked to the bar, then her. "Do you wish to go in?" Catching up wouldn't be bad. He hoped. It would scratch at some wounds, but he'd missed their conversations too. She had interesting ideas.

"Xochipili is gone." He figured he owed her that much, considering.