[ The way Aether reacts reminds him of his own reaction earlier, just severely toned down. He's not afraid if Aether wants to harm him; what actually scares him is the thought that he may be able to fill the loneliness in the Traveler's heart. It's a thought that feels futile, like it couldn't be true, because it's easier to be rejected than it is to be accepted, but regardless...
He pulls back and looks at Aether seriously. ]
You're lonely, Aether. I felt it in the bath. You've been so focused on helping me, but I've realized that you've tried to conceal this since the beginning.
[ He leans forward and puts his arms around the other, finally. He won't say he understands out loud, but he does.
And, once again, he hears Noé's words echo in his head: ]
Stop using all of your concern on me, will you? People want to know your true self. Don't deny them that privilege.
[ He says, like he's not part of that group himself. ]
no subject
[ The way Aether reacts reminds him of his own reaction earlier, just severely toned down. He's not afraid if Aether wants to harm him; what actually scares him is the thought that he may be able to fill the loneliness in the Traveler's heart. It's a thought that feels futile, like it couldn't be true, because it's easier to be rejected than it is to be accepted, but regardless...
He pulls back and looks at Aether seriously. ]
You're lonely, Aether. I felt it in the bath. You've been so focused on helping me, but I've realized that you've tried to conceal this since the beginning.
[ He leans forward and puts his arms around the other, finally. He won't say he understands out loud, but he does.
And, once again, he hears Noé's words echo in his head: ]
Stop using all of your concern on me, will you? People want to know your true self. Don't deny them that privilege.
[ He says, like he's not part of that group himself. ]