[ She listens dutifully, and though she smiles at Beatrix, there’s a melancholic veil that tints her expression. Her words are painfully familiar, and yet it’s in that familiarity that she feels reassured. Because it means that Beatrix knows she does this, and that in itself is a step away from simply denying it all - which is what Oriphi had been worried about.

At length, she sighs in a bit of relief and shakes her head, unable to help herself from once again drawing a comparison… ]

You and Diluc really are alike.

[ Still, it’s said most fondly and without any hint of exasperation, despite how difficult it had been to grapple with their different ways of expressing feelings when they first began their relationship. Thoma, of course, played a big part in encouraging both he and Ori to open up more. In his absence, perhaps the two of them have fallen back on some old habits, brought to light only in the wake of what happened with Eustace. Since then, they’ve pledged to never hide from one another, and because of that she has faith that one day Beatrix may stop hiding her heart from others. Or at the very least, from Dohalim. ]

I feel a lot better after hearing all of that. I’m sorry to have forced it out of you. I don’t… Normally want to, but… I just want to see you be happy, Beatrix. And you don’t have to feel pressured to show it in the same ways that others do. Just be yourself, but all of yourself. Don’t hide from Dohalim.

[ With a sweeter smile, she adds: ] I really am happy for you both, you know.