[She's trying. Eliot recognizes that enough to try looking at her again, even when he really doesn't like it. His head aches and he's absolutely miserable: It's difficult to figure out who he is when he's remembering so many moments like they were yesterday.
When she's finished, Eliot sits up again. But this time, he's preparing to read his book.]
Because I have learned. Plenty. [He flips through, looking for a particular page. Hardly looking at Rip anymore.] The other me is stupid, but he can be happy. He doesn't miss his lovers, or wonder which of the twenty-some we've had is his 'true love.' Actually, he seems pretty hung up on the idea that Winry is anything special.
She's just Ophelia, but not dead.
[Eliot reaches for his wine at the thought of Ophelia.] But it's nice to be in love for a while. It's fun to think you've found something special and lasting. You can build upon your fading memories, but I can't. I'm always going to remember that I'm married to seven women, and I've had children, and I've watched them die. But if I remembered every cycle every time, I wouldn't have had seven happy lifetimes. I would have been unhappy and grieving, and hateful.
[He looks up and whistles. Amelie, his Crobat, unfolds a wing and drops his pocket watch onto the table between them.]
Being stupid is fine. He'll learn over time. He'll live a happy family life with the two of you, and probably stumble, but he'll be happy. And the time you spend with him will mean something. I'll get to remember it fondly when he gets reset.
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When she's finished, Eliot sits up again. But this time, he's preparing to read his book.]
Because I have learned. Plenty. [He flips through, looking for a particular page. Hardly looking at Rip anymore.] The other me is stupid, but he can be happy. He doesn't miss his lovers, or wonder which of the twenty-some we've had is his 'true love.' Actually, he seems pretty hung up on the idea that Winry is anything special.
She's just Ophelia, but not dead.
[Eliot reaches for his wine at the thought of Ophelia.] But it's nice to be in love for a while. It's fun to think you've found something special and lasting. You can build upon your fading memories, but I can't. I'm always going to remember that I'm married to seven women, and I've had children, and I've watched them die. But if I remembered every cycle every time, I wouldn't have had seven happy lifetimes. I would have been unhappy and grieving, and hateful.
[He looks up and whistles. Amelie, his Crobat, unfolds a wing and drops his pocket watch onto the table between them.]
Being stupid is fine. He'll learn over time. He'll live a happy family life with the two of you, and probably stumble, but he'll be happy. And the time you spend with him will mean something. I'll get to remember it fondly when he gets reset.