[ That hand on her shoulder pulls her back into the moment before she can spiral any further or - worse than that - talk Aether's ear off with senseless words spurred on by her insecurities. They've only just met, after all, and she already feels like she's said too much. ]

... Sorry.

[ With a deep breath, she sighs and then shakes her head as if to reset herself. ]

Thanks for understanding, Aether. I'm not the best at explaining it, and you're not the first to be confused. But, in case you're worried—

[ She turns her head to look at him, and in her eyes there's a quiet, but clear certainty as she says, ]

I promise that I'm doing everything I can to make them happy while we're in this dream together.