[She sounded so much more cheerful now that they were out of the dark, dank closeness of that tunnel and the cave beyond. Aerith took another breath... and then turned to look up at Zack.
She scrutinised him, even going so far as to reach up and catch his face between her hands to bring him closer so she could search his eyes. And finally, she spoke.]
You're alright now? That didn't... hurt you too much, did it?
[Her scrutiny, while almost comical, had been with purpose. Aerith was worried. She didn't like the idea of Zack putting up a front for her benefit only to go away and break down over bad memories. She would never forgive herself if she allowed that to happen.]
no subject
[She sounded so much more cheerful now that they were out of the dark, dank closeness of that tunnel and the cave beyond. Aerith took another breath... and then turned to look up at Zack.
She scrutinised him, even going so far as to reach up and catch his face between her hands to bring him closer so she could search his eyes. And finally, she spoke.]
You're alright now? That didn't... hurt you too much, did it?
[Her scrutiny, while almost comical, had been with purpose. Aerith was worried. She didn't like the idea of Zack putting up a front for her benefit only to go away and break down over bad memories. She would never forgive herself if she allowed that to happen.]