[He doesn't say anything. It isn't that he kept it from Aerith on purpose, it just never came up, and he's so strangely used to people just knowing because Abel told them or they were around during the one Flood where some version of him was dicking around on the Barge that he forgets who wasn't here for it.
Alexei fidgets, looking down at his hands and picking a few pieces of loose skin away from his cuticles.]
[Some things start to make sense. But too...it is odd this never came up but- how can you bring it up casually? That you used someone, hurt them because you were terrified?
Looking at him now, he's still scared. He's just scared of different things now.
Aerith blew out a breath, her gaze landing on his hands.]
We should do a nail day.
[Her voice was very soft. A way of saying- she still wanted him in her life.]
I'm going to need to take some time to...process that. But thats something I can do later.
I want to be here for you, and listen. And help, if I can.
[He wants to start protesting. Explaining. He swallows it down because she asked for time, she'll ask her questions when she's had the opportunity to think things through.]
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Alexei fidgets, looking down at his hands and picking a few pieces of loose skin away from his cuticles.]
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Looking at him now, he's still scared. He's just scared of different things now.
Aerith blew out a breath, her gaze landing on his hands.]
We should do a nail day.
[Her voice was very soft. A way of saying- she still wanted him in her life.]
I'm going to need to take some time to...process that. But thats something I can do later.
I want to be here for you, and listen. And help, if I can.
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Fuck, he really thought she was just going to get up and walk away after that.]
Yeah.
[Soft. A small nod.]
... Thanks, Aerith.
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[She offered a soft little sigh.]
...want a hug?
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Yeah. Yeah, I would.
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[She moved to hug him, and give him a squeeze. All gentle.]
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[He puts his arms around her and his fingers curl against her back as he rests his chin against her shoulder.]
I know it's... a lot. If you want to ask me anything...
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[A lot. She stroked a hand over his back, still very gentle.]
But I don't want to...rush what I'm feeling. This deserves time to think it over.
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[He wants to start protesting. Explaining. He swallows it down because she asked for time, she'll ask her questions when she's had the opportunity to think things through.]
Yeah, I get it. Just... whenever.
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Okay?
[She can feel all the anxiety rolling off of him. But no rushing. Too important for that.]
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Right.
[And then...]
I just... want you to know it isn't something I was hiding from you.
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I trust you.
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Terrible decision, really. [He only partly means that, trying to draw a little levity into the situation.] But... thanks, all the same.
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[Knowing him a little more. She offers a little squeeze.]
You're welcome.