"You don't have to when you barely say anything."

It's not necessarily dishonest for Auron to keep everything under wraps, but it certainly puts a distance between them when Tidus looks at Auron's back and swears he still sees a stranger, sometimes. He just wants a future that's clear and secure. He wants someone to finally hold his hand and comfort him.

At least he can get this, a hand on his neck, warm and resting so carefully. His hands move and graps either side of his haori, at his hips. He's tethering him there.

"Can you promise? I need a reason to believe you."