A few long moments ticked by before Celes finally pulled back, thankful for the dim lighting that hopefully hid the pinkness from her cheeks, though she couldn't say she had nearly as much cover for the warmth that rolled off her face. Still, Celes was a noblewoman and a General to boot (even if she was a branded traitor). She could handle this with aplomb. "I realize that was forward of me, and I apologize. However, Dias, I have come to realize that I'm rather fond of you. Overfond, perhaps, given the situation and our goals.

"But, even with all that, I would just like to make it perfectly crystal-clear to you." Celes reached up and closed her fingers over his hand. "So there is little confusion for both parties should something irreversible happen."