Sometimes, he needed to learn where the line was. And she needed to know where he needed to draw the line for himself. Some might have said in his snapping and growling, that he went too far in trying to scare her but...they were all right. They would both learn where would be too much as they got to know each other better.

As Collins noticed, Aerith was not exactly a shrinking violet. There was still a lot that she could handle.

Like her holding the hand that could have hurt her so badly with such utter gentleness.

"I like you too. I like being your friend." Aerith told him, smiling. "I always learn something new around you. You're going to fuss, but I know with you- I am safe."

She paused. Well, that was not completely true. "From everyone else at least."