Lydia was glad Tsubomi was being more harsh--but she had a purpose, as she hugged Ales still. They could talk about his behavior later--including this promise about betraying and not-hurting her. But based on her research, it was more important right away that they help him accept his shadow.
Rejection probably wouldn't go well for anyone, especially Ales--so acceptance was her goal. The rest could wait. She let Ales pull away a bit after her initial hug, giving him some space.
But as he spoke, she leaned in again and hugged him tightly. "Companionship, friends, they make the times we hurt, the times we suffer, easier to bear." Encouraging him, and making a mental note to herself.
Follow up with Akane, and Sephiroth, later. For now Ales was her focus. Clearly he'd never had real friends before, and knowing some of his backstory Lydia wasn't surprised. But he was her friend--and she'd help him be better than he had been.
no subject
Rejection probably wouldn't go well for anyone, especially Ales--so acceptance was her goal. The rest could wait. She let Ales pull away a bit after her initial hug, giving him some space.
But as he spoke, she leaned in again and hugged him tightly. "Companionship, friends, they make the times we hurt, the times we suffer, easier to bear." Encouraging him, and making a mental note to herself.
Follow up with Akane, and Sephiroth, later. For now Ales was her focus. Clearly he'd never had real friends before, and knowing some of his backstory Lydia wasn't surprised. But he was her friend--and she'd help him be better than he had been.