[he obeys. It's a direct order; those are what he can manage best, during times like these]

[slowly, his hands cease their shaking. He squeezes Florian's hands once, in gratitude, before withdrawing his own back to himself]

Aerith began to cry again, very suddenly. I do not know what I said or did that caused her such emotional distress, but it would grow worse the longer I spoke.

I am sorry. I understand you do not wish to be brought into these matters as they are happening.