[ Although his conviction is clearer than the memory itself, Ace can swear that a similar exchange has already taken place in the past. That alone makes him slightly uneasy, and it's by no means an easy topic to begin with. ]

I'm sorry to hear that, Tear.

[ His voice almost becomes a whisper when he speaks, and whatever continuation has been dwelling in the back of his mind, he quickly lets go of it. It's as if any attempt at advice could break the trust he's been given, and it's not a risk the boy wants to take. ]

They accepted me before I could do the same for them, and that I can't forget. [ He shakes his head. ] But I think it would be unfair to devaluate the importance of the bonds like this, claiming one is better than the other. They're all different, and each gives us something else to hold onto.