[It has been difficult for the both of them, though Ardyn shows it mostly in the way his smile has been strained in the last few days, in how concern gnaws at his insides. How he needs to push away that feeling of frustration, the kind that feels like it might transform into something bitter (something too familiar, from a literal lifetime ago) if he doesn't make a cognizant attempt to quell it. Easier said than done, though his own woes are easy enough to ignore completely once Grell comes to him with her own.

He had noted the change in her demeanor, of course. He couldn't find himself to blame herself for it one bit, and when she finally comes to him, saying that her mind might break into pieces if she doesn't find an outlet, of course he's going to offer all of... himself to help.]

Frustration left unattended to does more harm than good, Grell. Perhaps you should not go out looking to pick a fight, but instead... leave the house with the intentions of meeting with an arranged one instead.