[ His gaze would be flitting nervously if he had more regrets about his actions. His conduct following the mission had definitely left a lot to be desired, but deep down, it's hard to imagine things unfolding any other way. His priorities, Siffrin's. The fallout from both of their sides colliding. The inevitability of it lingers, a quiet justification that keeps his composure in tact.

So yeah, holding her gaze: no problem. It's high time to get around to what can be fixed or smoothed over though, that didn't involve folding one's convictions. ]

You aren't wrong. There aren't many others who could attract the kind of crowd you do. But once the establishment's found its footing, you shouldn't feel obligated to keep it going yourself. We've plenty of talented fighters who do enjoy the attention.

[ He tilts his head toward a screen in the corner of the room, where the current participants of an ongoing match are wearing broader smiles—he smiles wryly, in kind, and shrugs. ]

You know it as well as I do, don't you? That this isn't just a one- or two-month project. [ She knows her 'value,' she says, the word sinking uncomfortably in his chest. By 'other stuff on the side,' he wonders how much of that involves continuing trying to find her footing. ] You deserve to live in the better world you're working so hard to create as much as anyone else.