[ even though aerith won't be able to see, all thanks to the mask, his eyes slide shut out of familiar instinct when he feels her hand settle on exposed skin. it's not much, just a tiny sliver from where part of his neck is visible before it's sandwiched between the mask and the high collar of his shirt. he doesn't feel all that warm to touch, but his grip around her wrist tightens by a tiny fraction. it betrays the parts of what's happening that he'd like to keep a secret.

don't worry, she tells him, i'll get you home and tucked in right away.

it's not the worst outcome in the world, but maybe whatever this drug is might be slowly getting to him if that's his first reaction. the shadowy shapes haven't said a single word so he's able to ignore them for now, at least. ]

It's nothing I can't handle. Like I've said, I'm used to this.

[ another truth that isn't quite the full story. he wonders if this is as bad as it's going to get, but he is careful to grow comfortable with that. he's used to surprises rearing their ugly heads much later on. ]

And I'm not— trying to protect you. [ after all, she told him that she can handle herself. ] But it might as well be me, should anything happen.

[ between the two of them, he's the one who doesn't bring as much value. ]

So don't worry about it.

[ easier said than done? most likely.

he's just trying to make sure not to trip before they make it back to aerith's place. ]

( ooc. a weak tag... forgive me. )