[He's right, of course. He's as right as Tifa was. Maybe in a way, Aerith was right as well. What works for some does not necessarily work for others. She's gone about it all wrong, however, forcing him into what she wanted out of him instead of allowing him to live as he ought to have. She'd intended to free him of her and all she did was try to control him.

She's never really noticed it as much as she does after speaking with them both. As she'd told Tifa, if she was the only one who thought differently, then maybe it was she who needed to reassess what she was doing, and why. In the end, it still comes down to selfish behaviour and a lack of courage. It doesn't matter that her intentions weren't malicious. Intent rarely has anything to do with it.]

I want to say that I'll do that, but I know I can't make a promise like that.

[She admits, softening at the very contact of his thumb pressing over the height of her cheek. She doubts she'd be even half as willing to make a remote step in that direction were it not for the hold he has on her, or the close proximity. She is just as weak to him, she finds.

I don't know how good I can be at pretending that I feel fine with all of this.

But she has to try. She has to try. He's still here. So is she. She owes that to him.]

I'll do my best, Balthier. [For you, and for Tifa.] Maybe... you should tell me what you want.

[Out of her.]