[The moment he begins to move around the counter to join her, Aerith sets her glass down. Instead of whatever else she may be expecting, which is likely some more reassuring words from him, he simply holds her. She realises in hindsight, that perhaps that may have been what she needed all along. Hugs are underrated, honestly. Sometimes it's the one things she genuinely needs. Sometimes it's something that a lot of people need and just don't get enough of.

She lets him linger, lifting her hands to rest over where he's situated his hold about her. It's a light touch, not inclined to turn him away or otherwise spurn his company. On the contrary, she needs him near. If only because she has no idea how long that will last. If it even will. More than ever, she has to be reminded of the finality of their relationship. All good things come to an end.]

Yeah. That's one way to put it. I'm sure that they're happy. Probably don't even know that we met here. It's better that way. I wouldn't want them to be sad, too.

[Maybe that's an infinite double standard. It's okay if Aerith hurts. It's not okay for those closest to her to.]