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I see. I'll admit that I've been worried about that sort of thing as well. For me, I mean. It isn't anything that I've noticed happening, but I've always wondered if I'll start to think more like I used to and if so, would that change how I act.

I'll let you know if I notice any changes, I promise. But so far I haven't.

...I can do the same for you, if you'd prefer.

I would, yes. I sincerely hope it won't be a concern, but...

[Well, there's no telling for sure.]

Of course.

[It feels...odd just leaving it there, however.]

I haven't seen anything that would indicate that it's going to be a problem, for what it's worth. You've been consistently good to me, for one thing, in a way that I doubt the person you were would have been capable of.

[He didn't even realize he'd gotten tense, but that gets him to relax anyway.]

I'm glad to hear it. I don't know if he was capable of it at all or if he just stopped caring enough to try. Either way, I think you're right. He wouldn't put this much effort into it.

[He's quiet again for a moment at that; he has some idea of what he wants to say, it's just a matter of getting the words to cooperate, which isn't always a straightforward thing.

(If anything, that's the one thing he envies, regarding the person he used to be; apparently there was less of...this, less moments when words simply don't happen, and the more he remembers it the more frustrating it is, but it isn't as though thinking about that's going to get him anywhere.)]

...I know that I've said I would likely hate the person you used to be. But that doesn't mean that I'm going to hate you, even if things were to change.

...Oh.

[And for a moment that's all he says, because it occurs to him that he never actually... verified that with Wesker... It's something he's known for quite some time, but he's never said it and that...]

I feel the same way. I... probably should have said something about that earlier, honestly. I could never hate you, Albert.

I'm pleased to hear it, though. I didn't think you would, but it's good to hear.

[...Speaking of moments when words simply don't happen.

He doesn't know what strikes him strangely about that, but the fact of the matter is that something does and he immediately falls still and silent at it, the sort of thing that's brought on more by overstimulation than anything.

Just...give him a moment to sort himself out, to stop freezing up.

He had no goddamn idea.]

...It's good to know that.

[Give him a moment.]

Albert...

[He understands, really. It's a relief to hear that Wesker won't hate him; he can only imagine how big of a relief it is to hear that on Wesker's end. After all, he's been very adamant about not liking the person in Wesker's memories. They've discussed it several times before.

Jaeger reaches out for Wesker's hand then, just to give himself something to hold onto.]

I'm sorry, I really should have told you that sooner. To be honest, it didn't occur to me. You mean the world to me and that won't change, no matter what happens. I promise.

[His grip is incredibly tight, when he returns it; he doesn't really understand why this is affecting him so strongly, just...let him try to force himself to relax. It isn't going to work, but he ought to at least put the effort in - ]

...It's fine. I just wasn't expecting it, that's all.

[That likely isn't helping with this whole thing, just.]

I will be fine, it's simply something that's concerned me in the past, it's good to have it confirmed either way.

[He just...shakes his head after that's out there, though; goddamn it, give him a moment. Or several, several might be good.]

No, I... I think I understand. I haven't been shy about saying that I wouldn't like the person you were, after all. But that doesn't change my opinion on you now and it certainly won't change my opinion in the future, regardless of what happens. You're one of the two most important people in my life, you know!

[And the other one is him, so. He returns that grip on his hand and smiles; the expression isn't forced at all.]

I'm glad I can confirm that for you. It's important to know that.

It is, yes.

[When he starts to relax it's...slowly, and it seems to be taking him a while, and his grip isn't loosening any; that said, eventually his breathing starts coming more easily and so do the words, though the latter take a bit more time.]

...It's important to me. Hearing that.

[...]

I don't think I had anyone, back then. Even the people I liked... Well, they stop appearing in my memories beyond a certain point. I don't know if I had anyone, in the end.

[That's... sad, really. Wesker did have people at one time, but...]

For as long as I'm able to, you'll have me. I sincerely hope there never comes a time when I won't be by your side.

[He tightens his grip on Wesker's hand at that, like he'll never let go.]

No matter what happens, I'll do my best to make sure you aren't alone. I always want to be here for you.

[...He appreciates it, and that goes a decent way toward settling him.]

...Likewise. Surely you know that by now.

I do.

[There's none of the usual over-the-top behavior or smugness, it's just a statement. He's still smiling though.]

And I'm glad to hear it! I wouldn't have it any other way.

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