[it certainly felt like Nero was telling her off, but what he said just didn't add up. Ryuuko could do little else but sit and listen to his explanation, left even more bewildered by the words coming out of his mouth. even so, she couldn't bring herself to contest any of it. everything he said was the truth, she knew that much. Nero never lied to her.]

What... What kind of reasoning is that? I piss you off??? And you love me for it??? D'you realize how batshit crazy you sound?

[she felt like her body was a machine on the verge of overheating, steam might as well have pumped from her ears with how worked up she was. Ryuuko couldn't explain why she felt so elated to hear him say he'd be unhappy without her around. though if she had to guess, it's probably because she'd feel the exact same emptiness if Nero ever decided to pick up and leave for good. she couldn't imagine a life for herself without him in it- wasn't that telling enough?]

H-How do you know???