"They used to," Ryouma said, broodingly. "Run away far enough, stay away long enough, and they'll forget you when you get back. Or get over you, at least." He chewed the edge of his mutilated thumbnail.

"It used to work fine. Come back for a few weeks' leave, fall for a new girl, head back for the border the minute she starts talking about a future." It was the first time he'd ever voiced it aloud; he grimaced at the sound of it. "Son of a bitch." It was as much of a label as a curse. "Soon as I get what I want, I realize I can't deal with it. So I run, instead of trying. You're right. Kakashi should've picked you, instead."