[ For a moment, Aerith wonders if Ori has known relief like this before. The sound of someone else’s rambling, the comfort of a home, the loneliness that dissipates into nothing so easily in the presence of someone else. She must have, right? There’s so many complexities about her that she doesn’t know, and Aerith softly smiles, warmth and gratitude playing at her lips. In her hands, the cold tea is starting to sweat, but she pays it no mind. It’s the least of her concerns at the moment. ]

I’ll let you know, but you’ll have to come, even if it’s three in the morning. Got it?

[ A tease is a tease and little else. Aerith laughs, leaning over a little joyously, and she thinks that Ori knows well enough that it’s a little joke, too. But— ]

I’ll come running if you call for me that late. Don’t worry.

[ With a tilt of her head and the smile still in place, she decides that she’ll be getting along just fine with Oriphi. ] I did what I could. I’m glad it worked. I heard the shot, and I was worried about you and Trahearne.

[ A beat passes, though, and Aerith leans in a little. ]

Don’t worry. You can keep talking. I came to hear your voice.