[Ardyn is less subtle about setting his own wine glass down. He is of the same mind to be rid of it, though, so it sparks with red magic, shattering and tucked away in his invisible space. Laughable, really, but he’s stored far more random, questionable, or silly things in there time and time again.

Besides, this frees up his hands, one which finds itself resting on X’rhun’s arm, the other with tense fingers in his lap. The other’s warmth is welcome, his closeness a motivation to push the words out.]

When I am with you, I am reminded of times in which I had been happy. As much as I cannot return to my days of healing, I miss— [He exhales.] I miss how unburdened I felt.

[A shrug of broad shoulders.]

Perhaps that’s not fair to you, latching on an association that is unrealistic, as far as I am concerned. But you are present, and here, and in that way, you are important to me in ways I have neglected to tell you.