[ shiro........she's worried about that suggestion!!! and him!!!! trying to do this!!!! but she also trusts his judgement, and nods - understanding. ]

Either way- I'm happy to help you if you need it. You're doing a good thing, trying to help. Better than most. [ she gives him a small smile right back. she can see how tired he is, and how he's holding out through it. ]

It also doesn't have to be with...guiding others. It can just be for you.

[ just in case he needed a reminder about that. but still, riza's face falls into something a bit more concerned as he continues. ]

You're also allowed to process what happened to you. [ which, honestly, riza says as honestly and bluntly as she can. ] You died, Shiro. You're allowed to take some time to let that sink in and to heal. Right now, especially. [ she waves her hand around to motion to the city. ] As far as jobs go, this is as close to down time as we're probably going to get, and you need to allow yourself to take it.

[ a pause, and then she exhales. ]

Sorry.