[ A freshly plucked Ragna from his world might have visibly reeled from that attempt. But he's had more than a year not only to calm down, but to think about more than just what his original goals were back home; they were goals he still intended to fulfill, but, he's less bristly. Not as quick to yank his arm away or shove someone back. His patience had grown considerately. It also didn't hurt that said patience was even more fortified in the face of stronger-willed, bright girls like Aerith.

But then she confirms exactly what he should have prepared for. Despite the fact he has a penchant for blowing people off and saying his memory sucks, he can read people a lot better now. The apologetic smile that graces Aerith's lips tells him as much as her words do. It's not enough to sour his expression in full, but he does sigh through his nose, his expression settling with a sense of understanding. ]

Hey, you don't gotta be sorry for anything. I mean, if you don't know, you don't know. And I'm just-

[ That's about the time that she does reach out, those mismatched red and green eyes widening as the sudden invasion of his privacy sees his cheeks gently flustering. But it's just to snatch up one of those bills from his hair. The look that he gives Aerith is surprisingly innocent, blinkblinking at her when she adds that they can still be friends. Or rather...maybe they can try again? With a gentler huff, he sets a hand on his hip, not caring if there's any further strays in his spikes for now. He can get them after.

...Or she can. He's finally comfortable enough. Besides, it's hard to forget the way that she helped him out before when he was still experiencing the shock of this whole haunted resort. ]



You're awfully trusting of someone you just met. [ But he says it teasingly, finally letting a little smile of his own tug his lips. ] It's Ragna.