linkingup | FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST

[ She will give the gay knights their space, but when she gets a chance… you best believe she’s giving Fray a hug that’s every bit as warm as her personality. ]

It’s good to have you back.

[ And it’s a relief that he’s alright, and back where he belongs. ]

[Thank you, Aerith... And thank you for not bullying him...]

It's good to be back.

[Thanks, God of Chaos!!! He sure doesn't appreciate that!! Anyway, he actually doesn't mind returning that hug, though the armor is probably not comfortable, so he'll let go whenever Aerith does.]

You have my thanks for your assistance, and my apologies for... all of this.

[Yeesh? Yeesh.]

[ At least she knows to hold off on the bullying... for now.

She doesn't mind the armor so much, the warmth of friendship sustaining her for long enough that the hug isn't unsatisfyingly short. ]

You don't need to apologize. What matters is that we have you back. Anything else is just water under the bridge.

[Thank you for no bully...]

I'm not sure I can dismiss it that easily, but I understand that most of this was not my fault.

[Like. Some part of him very much did want to test everyone to ensure they were ready for the God of Conflict, but Not Like This.]

[ Now that she's pulled away, she rests a hand on his armored arm. ]

At least you can acknowledge that most of it wasn't your fault. I don't think any of this is easier for you anyway. Having everyone see your memories... it must feel invasive.

[ Sure, they're V'rhas' memories, but she still considers them to be Fray's too. He was born from those emotions, after all. ]

[It's Complicated, but that's probably the best way to look at it. He's been sort of considering them his own memories as well, and this palace has really cemented that.]

It... does, yes. Though in a way it is relieving that I do not have to explain exactly who - what I am. Besides, I understand how difficult it was for all of you to live through those memories.

[It sucked for him too, but damn he feels kind of bad for getting his feelings all over all of you. Sorry about that too...]

Mm, it was pretty hard. But I think it also made me understand you more too.

[ She tilts her head, thoughtful. ]

So, I guess I can say I'm glad for it, in the end.

[ Something good came from the emotional turmoil, and she can't be mad about that. ]

Yes, that is true.

[There's so much in this palace that he never would have said, but having it come to light... it doesn't feel as bad as he thought it would.]

I haven't had much practice opening up to others before, obviously. Much of what I have experienced here has been brand new to me.

But it's felt worth it, right? Are you glad you've taken that chance to open up?

[ It seems like he must be, and Aerith would say that allowing himself to be vulnerable has certainly paid off. ]

Yes.

[The answer is surprisingly immediate; the sort of thing he doesn't need to think about because he simply knows it's true.]

I never could have imagined it back home. And yet here and now... I'm relieved others know the truth about me. It explains quite a bit, I'd imagine.

Yeah, I think it does.

[ Though she's sure others had more questions than she did, she feels like she can recontextualize that memory she saw earlier. ]

Doesn't change my opinion about you much, though. I think you're still a great guy.

[That gets a soft scoff from him, but he doesn't try to deny it.]

I'll admit my edges have been softened here.

[He's a kinder person than he realized, though he's still not sure he'd call himself a "great guy"...]

Thank you, Aerith.

Of course.

[ She smiles, more than happy to accept his thanks. It feels meaningful, and so she won't just rebuff it. ]

I'm glad to call you a friend, and I can't wait to see what you do after all of this.

FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST | FRAY'S PALACE

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