She could see his knuckles whitening, tightening on her wrist, but there wasn't any pain. No grinding of bone on bone, no worry that she'd have to hide the injury until she took care of it herself.

She could hide it of course. Keep it a secret like she kept so many from others on board. Even from her friends. It was her own fault, her own risk.

Still. Aerith exhaled, and took in a shaky breath. Maybe she had been holding it in the whole time. She wasn't sure. But she placed her own hand on her chest, hoping to calm her racing heart.

"That's me." Aerith's voice didn't hold its usual pep or cheer. Her hands felt shaky. "Nothing but trouble."

She was tempted to say more but ...that would be pushing it.