FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST | FRAY'S PALACE

[bloodweapon]

Welcome to the Vault. Let your judgment begin.
♫

Comments

[gardenful]

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. ]

[bloodweapon]

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.

[gardenful]

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. ]

[bloodweapon]

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.

[gardenful]

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.

[bloodweapon]

[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.

[gardenful]

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.