It's... never been a case of thinking I didn't have a choice in the matter. I chose to handle things on my own. I chose not to involve you or anyone else. I chose not to permit your input.

[Drawing in a breath, she releases it in a sigh taking the moment to worm her way past him onto her feet, though she does stay footsteps within reach. It's her own home. Why should she have to be the one to run.]

Which you've seen fit to remind me of several times.

[For just a moment, her fingers curl in where they reside. Somehow, and she isn't sure how, she keeps her gaze on his. She sounds so much more even than she feels, but it's all so practised. Aerith can even smile through her suffering and so few would be any the wiser.]

I never wanted this for you. Part of me wanted to be fooled into thinking that I could handle it. That I wouldn't... ruin it all. But I know myself. Me being who I am, what I am, how I am. It's just a disaster.

[She shakes her head.]

I keep going and I keep pressing because if I don't, if I stop, maybe I'll never be able to start again. I bury myself in others not just because I feel like it's the right thing to do, but because I need it. I'm not strong at all. I'm selfish and I'm a coward.

[She lets that linger for some moments as she stares up at him and finally she leaves a hand atop the island for little more than the need to anchor herself to the present.]

I think you've sufficiently pulled enough out of me now.