[Beatrix clears her throat once more, covering up the idea that she still has no idea how to discuss things of this magnitude with anyone. It was only about a month before that she said something to Tifa and the nature of her relationship with Dohalim is… complicated. Complicated enough that their encounters are scattered, not at all routine, and she still likely doesn’t spend as much time with him as he deserves. They have not developed habits with one another. There is no frequent occurrence of holding hands, of touching faces, of threading fingers through hair.

These things do happen. On occasion. In dire situations most, it seems. And every time they do, Beatrix wonders if she can handle it after keeping others away from her for so long. Just thinking about it makes her feel a touch feverish. Undeserved, really. She doesn’t deserve someone like Dohalim, and through all of this, he has been nothing but supportive.]

It would have been easier to be on my own that night. There are sides to me that I would not want others to see. It had been enough to let you and the others witness that. To show weakness, vulnerability, to Dohalim… To me, that has always felt unacceptable, though he would never agree. Seems he…

[Loosing a sigh, Beatrix presses her weight into her hands, wondering if the stability of the bench will keep her in one piece.]

Seems it does not matter who or how I am. Dohalim has made his choice. I never know what to do about that. He accomplished what you meant for him to, even against my wishes. I am thankful for it, regardless.