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Arguments between you and Alphinaud were few and far between, but every so often one of you would snap due to stress. Today was one of those few days. It had been many a sleepless and anxiety-inducing night during the days leading up to the Final Days. And when the Final Days were averted, all that bottled-up stress came spilling out. Alphinaud found himself the unfortunate target of the bottled-up stress.
“You do not have to carry the worries of the entirety of Eorzea’s on your back, Alphinaud!”
Alphinaud flinched. He had never really seen or heard you this angry. He wasn’t really sure what to do when you just started crying and yelling at him.
Alphinaud hesitantly cut into your yelling, his voice quiet, “Why not share the burden with me?”
You paused. Did he really just say that?
“What?”
“Why not share the burden with me?” he repeated.
Your yelling ceased as your expression softened.
“I could not ask that of you. I'm just stressed, don't take what I say seriously.”
You sighed, feeling awkward when Alphinaud didn’t speak. You took his silence as a type of hint for you to leave him be. But as soon as you made for the door, your wrist was caught.
“Wait! Stay!” Alphinaud exclaimed, his grip only tightening on your wrist. Although his grip was firm, he was gentle, careful not to harm you in any way. “I'm not angry at you, quite the opposite. You do so much for Eorzea and yet you have no one to lessen the burden. Allow me, please.”
A lull formed in the conversation, the air thick with tension as Alphinaud held his breath. He was anxiously awaiting your response.
You practically choked on your words as your eyes began to fill with tears once more, “I could never ask that of you.”
“Please,” Alphinaud was begging you, a somewhat pleading expression on his face.
A simple nod from you was all he needed before he pulled you into a tight embrace, whispering comforting words in your ear as you sobbed on his shoulder.