Galen stared at his hands, taking in everything that Mara told him. He did love Gaia but he wasn't in love with her. Young as he was he wasn't that big of a fool. And his gut told him Gaia felt much the same about him. He was her friend and that was how she loved him. But in love with him? Decidedly not. Still, he did want to tell her, hoping that it would provide a warning for her in case she did remember this place if she was ever returned but still. He couldn't do that to her. Not yet. Not so soon after Moriarty.
"I understand Mara. And thank you." He turned his gaze back to her, his eyes a little less lost. "I'm sorry too...for...what I nearly did..." he said, his voice quiet. He felt ashamed he had come so close to falling. If he fell, who would keep Gaia safe? That pompous ass Hercules? He studied his hands for something to do and look at.
"I still can't handle loss well..." he admitted softly.