[ He catches the edge in her narrowed eyes even at this angled view, obstinacy cloaked in politeness. Her huff is layered, and Tseng knows better than to dismiss it as simple annoyance. The air in the car thickens to something acrid quickly in their silence, even though it had just been made so sweet with the wind of her healing. His weariness seeps in, clouding his thoughts with half-buried truths. He wishes he could pretend her resistance is born of temporary frustration, something fleeting. Tseng stays silent for a long moment. ]
You know I can't ignore it.
[ His answer is just as redundant to be said out loud. He can't admit how often he tells himself it's not just Shinra who wants Aerith safe, or instead even claim that it is her mother's worry that drives him—tonight literally. That lie feels truly hollow and gives him no comfort. The line between concern and obligation blurs too easily when it comes to her. And the decision to speak next is also hers, as always.
His gaze drifts to the side more earnestly, but long enough to see the way she's crossed her arms against him. ]
at once! 🫡
You know I can't ignore it.
[ His answer is just as redundant to be said out loud. He can't admit how often he tells himself it's not just Shinra who wants Aerith safe, or instead even claim that it is her mother's worry that drives him—tonight literally. That lie feels truly hollow and gives him no comfort. The line between concern and obligation blurs too easily when it comes to her. And the decision to speak next is also hers, as always.
His gaze drifts to the side more earnestly, but long enough to see the way she's crossed her arms against him. ]