“You need to stop getting into fights,” Aerith says, and though her tone is strict, her hands are gentle. It’s like she’s afraid to hurt you. Maybe she knows you’ve been hurt too many times before. Maybe she wants to be gentle because no one else has been with you.

She wraps your knuckles, her thumb brushing the back of your hand. “Please,” she adds in a much quieter voice. “For me, please. I can’t lose you. I won’t lose you.” You’re her soulmate. A part of her breaks when you’re hurt.