[ The simplicity of his words is not lost on her. This is a fact about himself that he has accepted, one that he cannot shake. He agrees with them. There's a twist in her gut for a moment, and no longer than that, because while Six is someone she considers a very good, dear friend already, it's his burden to make peace with. There's only so much Aerith can do— and right now, the best she can offer him is getting to know him. ]

Hmm... [ He looks away, but Aerith can't have any of that. Getting onto all fours, she shimmies closer so she can try and peer up into his eyes; those pretty pink eyes she's so curious about. You know, the longer she looks... the more she thinks of a guy who definitely doesn't like her. Finally, Aerith rests with her knees pulled up to her chest when she responds. ]

Back home, I know this guy. He's not bad, he really isn't. [ Rude definitely isn't, and Reno probably isn't, either. There's a difference between the hand and the heart in matters of the government. ] He told me once, "You're right. I'm not a bad guy, but sometimes, I have to do bad things."

[ That distinction is important to her, apparently. The heart of a person can never change, and if there's goodness in someone, she'll always find it. She wants to see it grow, and overtake all the pain in their life. ]

Those things you're seeing, Six? They're there because you think they should be.

[ A beat. ] Well, we all feel guilty. But, in the end, what we choose to do means more than what we have to do. And... maybe it sounds a little silly, but... I don't think you're a bad guy.

[ The smile she gives him is genuine, just like always. ]

So, maybe you won't remember it, but for every one that tells you you're a monster, I'll be here. To remind you of the things you want to do. Okay?