[He almost responds with a "yeah?" at the fact that he wanted a fight to happen. Watching Yoimiya slug her, then getting to come in and fight alongside her if things got hairy, that sounds like a good time to him. But when she turns toward him with the hurt in her eyes, his face falls from looking like a cute puppy dog trying to get out of something he did wrong to real guilt that grips him. He can see it in her eyes that he failed her in this respect, and what she says afterwards solidifies that heavy feeling that leans in hard in his chest.

Ajax bites his lip as she looks down at the ground, wetting his mouth now that he realizes it's gone dry, his jaw setting as he does some rare self-introspection. He hadn't realized he'd let her down, and he shifts uncomfortably as that realization hits him. Sighing at himself, he reaches out to take her hands, sliding his palms into hers as his voice quiets.]

I'm sorry, Yoimiya.

[The sincerity in his voice overshadows his previous apology, which lacked the understanding that he has now, even if he's still got a lot to think about in terms of his own world views.]

I didn't even realize that seeking a fight over everything else might hurt you like that. And I shouldn't push that view on you either. I think...some self-reflection might be in order. The last thing I want to do is hurt you or disrespect you in any way.

[Tartaglia's thumbs run over her knuckles, staring at their hands as he thinks more on it. He just...really doesn't want to do things that might blow this relationship, and by the sinking feeling in his chest, he knows that he cares so much about being a good partner for her.]

Thank you for forgiving me. I love you, Yoimiya.

[He dares to lift his head now, to meet her eyes if she'll even look up at him. If she doesn't, he doesn't blame her- he fucked up and he knows it now.]