It hurts deep in his heart that Reno has to ask, but it makes sense, too. It's been so long, so many missed connections and opportunities, fruitless searching. But it had never snuffed out the feelings that were still mutual, even if Emil wasn't good at showing them anymore. His expression softens, slightly too-bright eyes back on teal ones as he digs his toe pick into the ice and lets Reno drift close enough that he would be the only one that can hear.

"I don't think I ever fell out of love in the first place," he admits, taking the other hand and dragging his thumb across calloused knuckles. "And it wasn't stupid. Sometimes, things just don't work out like you want them to. I'm sorry I didn't try harder. I think...maybe I gave up on getting you back. The only time I actually gave something up and yet here you are. Showing me how stupid that was.

"I want this, I really do. Maybe it's selfish, but I don't want you to give it up. If you can dig your heels in now, then so can I."