[Yuan objecting is not a surprise. Yuan objecting in the way he does, with the comparison between them, pointing out that Kratos would never get to see Yuan grow old -- the bitter sneer of an advantage that Yuan doesn't have -- is like a blow. With the way Yuan's been acting, it hadn't occurred to Kratos that he might be jealous.

[Kratos looks down into his water, not responding right away. Suddenly, he's wondering about Yuan after this is all over. Suddenly, he's imagining Yuan after the end -- alone, with no peers, even if he unbends enough to make connections beyond Botta and his Renegades.

[The idea hurts more than Kratos would have thought.

[After a minute he stirs and moves to swing his legs off the bed, picking up book and tissues and taking with him the water. The sofa Yuan is using is only a few feet away, but Kratos still nearly falls into it with a grunt, pulling his legs up and leaning back against Yuan's shoulder. He sets down tissues, glass, and reopens the book, and doesn't look up at first.]

I'm not prepared to give up those advantages. But if I survive the reunification, and if you take yours off -- I'll put mine on.

[His head moves slightly, glancing sidelong.]

Just until you catch up.