Contrary to Gene's usual preference of the general state of affairs, the quiet is actually making him a little nervous. But he's been a lot more nervous overall lately, more anxious, more afraid. Not of Yunxu or Heojin or Zanru or the Snakes or anyone who styled themselves the rightful ruler of Keeliai or a chunk thereof - far from it. But it's been nearly two weeks since that awful, disastrous day, since the confession and the return, and what he's most afraid of is Tony - or the lack of him - and the storm he knows is inside his own head, ready to roll over him at a moment's notice.

With no small amount of effort, he batters the fear and anguish back, the emotions that had come rolling in with even the brief thought of their visit to Milyn, and takes a couple deep breaths. His smile, small as it is, hasn't wavered - the deep breaths could just be mistaken for enjoying the chill air. He knows he's always been the more melancholic of the two, but that doesn't mean he can't at least try and let himself be happy.

He squeezes Tony's hand as they walk, just once, to be sure that Tony doesn't mind the quiet.