It doesn't escape his notice the way Tidus holds himself as though he's waiting to be shaken free, shrugged off like a small stinging insect, or any other kind of hanger-on. When he steps forward to lean against him, Auron places his left hand on the bare back of his neck, haori falling loose from his shoulder where the other sleeve hangs free.

"I've never lied to you."

That's precisely the reason why he's shared so little. What sparse truth he could have offered, he has, and the remainder stays locked away until the day comes that something changes, and it can be opened. Or perhaps nothing will ever change. His hope for the future has long been subdued. It's got nothing to do with Zanarkand. It's got nothing to do with Tidus, either. He didn't ask to be watched over. Except now, that's exactly what he's asking for.

But the time's since past that he could say he was doing this for only one person.

"That is to say... I am staying."