...Yeah. No, I know. [ There's unquestioningly a lot going on, and maybe this is just how Fabian handles it. Still, she can't help but watch him with ongoing suspicion, expression one of unmasked concern. ] But if you need someone to lean on to help get through everything, you just have to say so.

[ That's hard for some people to do, of course. (Looking at you, Cloud.)

Aerith doesn't push forward, but neither does she retreat. She remains a hovering presence on the threshold, hands curling into determined fists. ]

Can we just talk a bit? Doesn't have to be inside, if you'd rather sit here on the stoop or something. [ Which she'll encourage by doing herself, patting the stone next to her as she looks over her shoulder at him. ] Just for a minute, 'kay?