Tear was—as always—ready to respond, eyes fierce with defiance and an argument ready at the tip of her tongue, except Ace had acted too quickly for her to do anything than form a squeak of surprise, nearly jumping back with how badly he had caught her off-guard. Not necessarily with his action, even if that on its own would have evoked a powerful reaction, but with the sheer emotion carried in the kiss. Emotions so powerful she felt as if they would overwhelm her, the softest of whimpers escaping.

A shiver ran through her whole being as she brought him closer still, timidly reciprocating the gesture. Her hands threaded through strands of his hair gently before she pulled back, once again seeking his eyes before she leaned into carefully nuzzle against the gash. She hardly cared for the blood possibly smearing onto her own face or hands as her fingertips ghosted across it, trying to focus healing energy into at least lessening the bleeding.

"Then... don't leave me behind." Sighing, she closed her eyes. "Don't. Unless you someday decide you don't want this anymore, or just decide to be stupid and think it's what is better for me, in which case I'll still follow—..."

Shaking her head, growing anger kept the melodist from continuing further. Burying her face in his shoulder, she stayed silent to collect her thoughts, minus one question.

"Why didn't you at least contact me? I know you are perfectly capable of calling out my name."