[he appreciates the words, honestly. there's no hesitation in the way he'd said anything, but it's Olivine; quietly hiding the crux of an issue is practically second nature, especially if that thought might worry someone else.

to be seen so easily is... maybe a little terrifying, sure, but he doesn't mind in the end. not when Aerith is so kind in turn.]

Ah... you have the right of it. I do wonder, sometimes, if I've been clear enough. [in the heat of the moment, maybe, but did Eiden take those words as gospel when he'd spoken them? he... hopes so, but maybe she has a point. to say it so clearly...] But I'm glad. To have met someone so full of love for the people he meets, who is completely unburdened by anyone else's standards.

[goodness, he really could talk about Eiden all day. but he's happy to move along to the more important, immediate thing—namely, this place and its eccentricities.]

It's worth the try. And at least it gives us more opportunities to meet other like-minded people! I don't know if they intended it, but I'm sure there are more who think like we do. [he laughs softly, nodding in turn.]