[That gets him to pout for a moment before he bounces back to his usual level of cheer.]
Of course I have, but I haven't always been specific about it! You were remarkably patient with me while I was still working out how to tell you important things without immediately dismissing them as unimportant or otherwise acting like... well, like everything was fine, even when it wasn't.
...Especially when it wasn't.
It really does mean so much to me that you would help me with that, even if it wasn't always appreciated at the time!
I do. It's never been a problem though, I've never minded it any.
[He reaches out for Wesker's hand.]
I never would have imagined that we'd end up this close, but I'm glad things have worked out like this. I really am the happiest I've been in such a long time.
[He understands; he lets Jaeger just take a moment to work himself out, he doesn't try to press it or anything, though he does let his grip tighten a little against Jaeger's hand.]
[The word leaves him in a rush. His expression is bright and his grip on Wesker's hand is tight. Of course Wesker knows exactly what he means, but it's still so wonderful to hear it.]
I'm so happy to hear it. Thank you for everything you've done for me so far!
[Honestly, he's a bit relieved at the hair-playing because it gives him an excuse to close his eyes so he doesn't have to look away when Wesker says that. It's not like he's bothered by it at all, but he's not really sure what to do with that. He still looks pleased, of course - and he is - it's just a lot to take in.]
Well, you know I do what I can for you! I'm happy I've been able to help.
I know. But you haven't had to do any of this; it's something I appreciate, even if I haven't really told you as much.
[Thankfully, the hair-playing gives him something to focus on that isn't just the words alone; it's easier if he has something else to do with himself while he tries to find words.]
...Thank you for approaching me with this when you did, and for asking me to be with you. I know I had my apprehensions, but I don't regret any of it.
...You kept asking me what I wanted. No one's really taken that into account before - not like that, at any rate. And while a good amount of my hesitation was due to the person that I used to be...honestly, I didn't have any opportunities to make genuine decisions for myself then, either.
But I thought I could be happy with you. That it was something that I wanted. And I wanted to make that decision for myself.
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[It's a token protest, though; he'll come join you properly and sit nearby, regardless.]
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[And for a moment it seems like he's just going to leave it at that, but...]
You've been incredibly good to me in other ways too, you know~!
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You've let me know that, yes.
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Of course I have, but I haven't always been specific about it! You were remarkably patient with me while I was still working out how to tell you important things without immediately dismissing them as unimportant or otherwise acting like... well, like everything was fine, even when it wasn't.
...Especially when it wasn't.
It really does mean so much to me that you would help me with that, even if it wasn't always appreciated at the time!
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It isn't as though you haven't been without a large amount of patience for me as well, in that regard. You know that, don't you?
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[He reaches out for Wesker's hand.]
I never would have imagined that we'd end up this close, but I'm glad things have worked out like this. I really am the happiest I've been in such a long time.
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...Likewise, of course.
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I'm always pleased to hear it! Being around you really does make me feel like I can get through anything Retrospec throws at me. I...
[...he still can't say it and he frowns for a moment before he rewords it.]
You mean so much to me and I'm so happy to have you in my life.
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I love you too. Always.
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[The word leaves him in a rush. His expression is bright and his grip on Wesker's hand is tight. Of course Wesker knows exactly what he means, but it's still so wonderful to hear it.]
I'm so happy to hear it. Thank you for everything you've done for me so far!
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...You've saved my life, you know. Several times over by now.
[It's...awkward to say, perhaps, but it's as straightforward as he usually is, and he doesn't stop with that hair-playing as he says it.]
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Well, you know I do what I can for you! I'm happy I've been able to help.
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[Thankfully, the hair-playing gives him something to focus on that isn't just the words alone; it's easier if he has something else to do with himself while he tries to find words.]
...Thank you for approaching me with this when you did, and for asking me to be with you. I know I had my apprehensions, but I don't regret any of it.
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[...]
Though to be honest, I was really afraid you were going to say no! I had prepared myself for that possibility, or at least, I tried to.
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But I thought I could be happy with you. That it was something that I wanted. And I wanted to make that decision for myself.
I suppose that's what it comes down to.
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[But once that's out there he'll settle a bit, taking it seriously.]
I always do want to hear what you want, Albert. That's important to me. So don't ever hesitate to let me know, ja?
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[Which is better than he usually is about these things.]
...Along those lines, I see that you technically did as I asked and waited until Christmas to bring out the compliments.
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[oh my god]
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I'm sure you've been suffering.
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It's been absolutely terrible waiting this long, Albert! I could compliment you every day and never get sick of it!
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Unfortunately, I'll have to ask that you spare me.
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