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[He tips his head a bit at that, though it does take him a moment to find the response he's looking for.]

...I do think it's important to keep some distance between us, yes. But I think it's fair to be upset at what happened in your past life. I don't think it's just residual anger, after all. You were really hurt by what he did and what he said to you. It's fair to be upset, whether it's residual or not. Completely shutting ourselves off from the emotions we experienced in our past lives seems difficult, if not downright impossible.

[He shakes his head after a moment.]

It still seems too close. Once in a while I'll draw on his experiences, but I don't want to associate with that.

I understand. I still don't think it's a bad thing to be angry about something he was mad about, but I can understand why it's concerning as well.

[He'll move a little closer, reaching up with his free hand to touch the side of Wesker's face. It's not to get his husband to look at him, but just because he wants the contact.]

It'll be okay. I promise it will. I'll always be right here for you, and I'll always do whatever I can to help, no matter what.

[...He'll allow it, all right.]

He didn't have anything left but the anger, by the end. That's what concerns me.

You won't ever be like that. Your life is very different here, and on top of that you really aren't an angry person to begin with. I get mad far more often than you do, and I'm usually fairly even-tempered!

[Surprise surprise, Retrospec makes it worse.]

So it'll be okay, Albert. Being angry every so often doesn't mean you'll give into that completely and you'll have nothing left. You're going to be just fine.

Even if you do end up having problems with it - which I don't foresee happening - I'll be right here to help you work through it. I know it was a problem for you in your past life, but things are very different now.

[He's quiet for a moment at that.]

...It's difficult to keep things separate, far moreso than it used to be.

[He doesn't like talking about it.]

I'm aware that I'm doing better nowadays, much more than I used to be. But I still don't feel things the way I used to; there isn't much left in that regard. It's different around you, most of the time, but there still isn't much that I'm experiencing for myself.

I do experience his emotions, however - his thoughts and his memories as well. Sometimes it's comforting, simply because he would know what to do in certain situations when I don't. I like to draw on him then, because I can't afford to hesitate because I find a situation unnerving or unfamiliar. But otherwise it's...difficult, I suppose.

[To be honest, it's difficult to hear that. It's something he suspected in some ways, and Wesker had mentioned it, but it's still not an easy thing to hear. Jaeger nods though and takes a moment to figure out what he wants to say.]

I don't think that's all that strange, Albert. I think most people would draw on that sort of thing, if their past lives had more experience than they do. In battle, for example, someone could draw on their past life's expertise, or their courage and determination. Even if they've never fought before, if they had their past life's experiences, they would stand more of a chance by drawing on them. I think that sort of thing is normal, really.

[It's something he does too, but it really is only limited to battles. Everything else Yeager did was not really anything he wants to associate with.]

But I also understand that I'm speaking from experience, and my experiences aren't the same as yours. I can understand why it troubles you, but I can see why you do it too.

[There's another pause, longer this time, before he just...shakes his head again.]

...It's going to be fine, either way. As I said, it won't... It won't happen again.

[it's not what he wants to say, but he isn't entirely sure how to say what he wants.]

[He can tell.]

You can tell me anything, Albert.

[It's a gentle reminder before he settles a bit, moving to take Wesker's hand with both of his own.]

It will be fine, you're certainly right about that! No matter what happens, we'll work through it together.

I know I can tell you anything. It's just difficult to know where to start, sometimes.

[The contact is nice, though, he's certainly not going to protest that any.]

[Good, because it's important to him!!]

I know. Sometimes it's frustrating to figure out where and how to start! But it's okay, I'll always be here to listen, even if you can't find it right now.

[Mm. Just...give him a moment, and there's not going to be any eye contact while he tries to get himself sorted, but...]

...I'm afraid of it, I suppose. Where this is going to lead, eventually, if it leads anywhere.

[Oh honey...]

I can understand that. What are you afraid will happen? Can you describe it for me?

[Mnngh.]

That there will come a point where I won't be able to differentiate anymore.

It really is terrifying. I'm still scared of that too, even though I'm much different from my past life than I was at the start of all of this.

[He was still different, but they had a lot of terrible things in common. It's weird to think about.]

But I really do believe you'll be just fine, Albert. At the very least you love me, and you do what you can to look out for and look after me. You've been so good to me, and you continue to be the most amazing husband anyone could ask for.

I know you're scared, but I don't think you'll ever have to worry about that. It'll be okay.

You can say that I don't have to worry about it all you want; it doesn't change the fact that it's still a concern.

[Despite the wording, his tone isn't harsh; again, it's more blank than anything.]

...I don't know what I need to hear right now.

That's fair.

[He's quiet for a moment, while he tries to work out what to say. Not being able to help is always frustrating, but sometimes that's just how it goes.]

Maybe there isn't really anything that I can say that will help right now. At the very least you can count on me to be here, even if I don't always know how to help.

I know. I...

[Mm, he doesn't like it.]

I know it's harsh, hearing things like that. I'm not intending to be.

I know you aren't.

[He squeezes Wesker's hand at that.]

It can be harsh, yes, but sometimes it's necessary. If what I'm saying isn't helping - or worse, if it's hurting - then I want to know. Even if I can't find the words to say, at least I can be here for you, and I know how important that is.

It is, yes. Sometimes I just need time to sort through things, I suppose - it isn't anything you're doing wrong.

[Look at all this actual communication, goddamn.]

I understand. If there's ever anything I can do to help with that, let me know! If it's easier for you to work through it alone, or in silence, I'll always do what I can for you!

[They're doing so well...]

I know you will; you're good to me like that.

[...]

Come downstairs with me...? I have a few things to show you.

Oh, of course!

[He'll go ahead and get up, since he's all over you like always...]

What is it you want to show me?

You wanted to see the memorials I have down there, for one thing.

[...]

Retrospec gave me some incredibly alarming gifts as well, and I'm not sure what to think of them.

Of course. I really do think that will be nice.

[The rest of it is significantly less nice, however.]

What did they give you?

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