If David were to voice those details, Balthier wouldn’t be able to say with any certainty that it wasn’t the right call or that he wouldn’t have done the same. But the fact that David hurts over it means he isn’t afraid of David, or for David’s heart, not in the long run.

His comment pulls the first smile Balthier has had since the simulation went wrong. It’s just so unabashedly David. And more than that — it’s affirmation that David loves him for something he can control, something that isn’t smoke and mirrors and careful consideration.

“I think I have a tiny inkling of what that feels like,” he says. “I don’t—I’m not used to sharing the things I feel shame about. Thank you for being so gracious.”