[ He bristles at this lecture, drawing himself up, his eyes flashing. ]

I do not live my life in fear. I live it despite fear. You've been beside me enough--have you found me cowardly, reticent?

[ He lifts a hand, shakes his head. No. Gilgamesh can think whatever he wants. ]

That's not the point. The way I react to an unexpected advance--it's like kicking your leg when you're struck on the knee. It's automatic. I don't enjoy it.

[ The water, hot as it is, seems to be getting hotter. ]

And if I'm with someone enough, if I trust them, it does fade.

[ As Gil himself has likely experienced. ]

But in the meantime, I live with it. I go forward. I fight.

[ It is true: the fear is always with him.

But so is the fire. ]