[ Angeal's heartbeat beneath Sephiroth's hand is firm and strong, if a little erratic (he is not exactly not turned on, even if the conversation is certainly... putting a damp on that). And he almost smiles, too, the touch and Sephiroth's eyes on him a balm over hurts that he never allowed himself to consider he deserved healing from.

So, so many things. ]

I went away. You don't have to take that one up on you - you couldn't know there's a need for your hand to reach out. It's on me, and I won't make that mistake again.

[ Then Sephiroth's request makes his breath catch, and his eyes widen. He breathes out, then in. ]

I ... I do promise. But you, as well.

[ The Sephiroth who came to him earlier...

How long had he endured, alone and in silence, before changing reality? This is how long Sephiroth can hold in his pain - and Angeal does not want him to. Truth may be difficult, and emotions even more so, but...

They are important. ]