When Lydia hugged him again, Ales did not flinch or freeze up. She was still here. Everyone was still here, and it made the whole ordeal less terrifying. Even his Shadow appeared less distraught, though his expression was sad. It waited for Ales to say something.

He looked around the room once more.

At Sephiroth, who appeared to be saying something in agreement, but inaudible from where Ales was standing. He wasn't disgusted by this display of weakness, but unless it was just his imagination, he seemed to be understanding. A man he respected that respected the Teensie.

At Akane, who was impressed by his skill before and after meeting his Shadow. Who reminded him that he was strong in his own way. That there were people here that thought highly of him. Of those whose kindness towards him were completely, confidently devoid of pity. Even Betilla was not guilty of such a thing.

At Tsubomi, fearful and whom Ales expected to attack him at at moment, yet still trying to understand. He didn't know what she'd do after today, whether she'd warn everyone to oppose him, lecture him, or something else. But she was still important now.

"...Don't tell anyone about this," he said to no one in particular. Everything would come out in due time. It was part of the reason why he locked his file.

He couldn't turn around to look at Lydia, but he did have one more question for her.

"But this doesn't meant I'll run around befriending everyone. I have to trust them first. Besides, what good would that have done when I was small?"

"It might have worked. Apparently it's worked for other people. We wish we could feel that way about anyone else?"

Ales was about to retort, but he decided not to argue on that point. He was tired of thinking about this.

"Anyway...what am I supposed to do about this?"