[Zack has to triple check his phone. He almost thinks its a joke someone is playing on him. He keepstyping but deleting his message until he gives up and calls him. His voice a mess of confusion and fear.]
Cloud you've been gone....for months.I looked everywhere for you I thought.....I thought you were....I thought I'd never see you again. Cj has been with me.
[Oh no. That's a sad Cloud. That's illegal. Zack can't have him stay sad.]
No no it's okay buddy. It's not like you choose to leave. I hear people just vanish all the time so it's not your fault. I'm just glad you are back. Do you know where you are so I can come get you? I have tons of friends for you to meet.
[Cloud's eyes widen slightly. So Zack could vanish, too. And Zack said he's been gone for months, even though to Cloud it's only been a couple of hours since he was here last. What if Zack is gone for that long, or even longer?
He feels a little nervous about Zack wanting him to meet lots of people, but he's not about to say no. It's no surprise whatsoever that Zack's made tons of friends here - everyone loves Zack, and for good reason. Cloud just hopes none of them love Zack the way he does...]
Yeah, New Bark Town again. No warp here, though, so I can meet you in Cherrygrove in a couple days. Um...so did you...find a place of your own? --stupid question, obviously you must've. I mean, where is it?
Yeah vanishing....is a thing apparently. I don't know if I really understand it myself but you were here and then you were gone. It....It's been tough without you buddy.
[Boy is cloud going to be surprised when he founds out how few friends Zack has made in the time he's been gone. He might be loved in their world but this world was a little different.]
Just been wandering mostly so I've been staying at inns and motels and such. I did find a place in goldenrod I've been thinking of renting though. It's kinda big for myself though and don't worry I'll come find you!
[Cloud's not sure what to say to that. Zack had a tough time without him? Really? That can't be right, he said he had tons of friends. Sure, their relationship was more than that...or at least, it was before Cloud apparently vanished for months...but surely Cloud's presence can't be that important.
...it doesn't occur to Cloud that by 'friends' Zack might be talking about Pokemon.]
Wasn't worried.
[Cloud smiles. It's true - he wasn't. He knew Zack would come find him. Zack would never abandon him. The smile does falter after a moment, though.]
So...does that mean you...um, you still wanna get a place with me? Or--if not, th-that's okay, too. I can live on my own, no problem.
Still get a place? Cloud I haven't got one yet because I didn't want to without you. You're my buddy, my favorite person. I'm lonely without you. Yeah I have my pokepals and I love them but it's not the same. Only have maybe a handful of people I talk to here and they aren't the adventuring types really. It's not for everyone so I get it.....
Anyway yeah, let's get a place together. You and me Spike.
[...what? Zack is lonely without him? He was waiting to get a place...because Cloud wasn't here? Favorite person? That's...how is that possible?
Well, it's true that in this world there are no SOLDIERs or Turks or pretty flower girls or anything. Just ordinary people like Cloud. So it makes sense that Zack would get attached to him as the only part of home he has here. And it wounds his pride a little to accept that, but Cloud's not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. If he can be what Zack needs in this world, then he'll do it, gladly.
He's pretty sure he's blinking stupidly into the camera for a second before he smiles again, brighter this time, and nods.]
[Zack can tell something is off when it takes Cloud a moment to reply but seeing that smile distracts him enough that he doesn't bring it up. Instead Zack smiles back, pulling the phones camera farther from himself so that Cloud can see more of him as he's getting frantically ready to meet up with Cloud. ]
I'm excited! I'll come get you and we can go apartment hunting right away! I have so many new pokemon to show you Cloud! Gosh I missed you so much. This is going to be great!
Zack is so happy when Geddoe pics up and if he could he would be hugging him through the phone but that's impossible so he will have to save the hugging for later.
"Yeah, spike is back and this time to stay I think. He's...well... Do you think we could meet up for a drink or something so I could tell you about him? It's a bit of a long story and I don't know if I want to be sober when I tell you."
Geddoe does have all the warps between Cherrygrove and Ecruteak now, so that helps at least. Though the bigger question might be when Zack will have the time to pry himself away from his buddy...
"It's pretty good and who knows maybe after I can hear some of yours. I've been dying to learn more about you too Geddoe."
He's more serious in tone then and sighs as he rolls over.
"So this weekend. I'll send you a message of the details..."
He's about to hang up but remembers one thing first.
"Oh! Thanks for the letters by the way, it's...it's really nice to get mail like that all handwritten. It's really cool. Is it okay if I maybe keep any letters you save me?"
Geddoe makes a noncommittal noise. To say he dislikes talking about himself is something of an understatement, after all. But who knows, there could be a rare exception.
He does, however, raise an eyebrow at that question.
"I don't think you need my permission for that," he points out, maybe just a hint of amusement in his tone. "I don't mind, anyway."
"Just get paper and pen, find an envelope and post it."
Maybe that wasn't quite what Zack meant, but he did ask.
"People seem to send packages more often, but they take letters, too. If someone you want to write to is traveling a lot, you can send it to the next Pokemon center to wait."
It's much easier being able to mail things openly, at that. Geddoe's used to having to maintain much more covert exchanges with various contacts.
"Well yeah of course I can just do that Geddoe, I meant like how to know where you are. I noticed you don't like the phones too much."
Of course Geddoe did give him an answer with pokemon centers so in that case he can do that. He is going to have to work on his penmanship to send letter though, his isn't the best.
"Any trips you taking soon or can I send them to pokemon centers?"
"I can try to let you kno when I'm planning on heading somewhere."
He's supposed to give notice to his employer anyway, after all. Of course, this assumes it's planned and not because something suddenly came up, that is.
Of course Zack would come up with reasoning like that. Well, that's fine, there's no harm in an occasional letter, after all, and it could be amusing to see what he actually writes.
In any case, however, the weekend rolls around soon enough, and Geddoe takes the warp pad to Goldenrod to meet up at the appointment time and place. He's probably a little early by stint of not really having anything better to do. That, and old habit of taking the opportunity to scout out the area while he's here. He will, however, wait for Zack to arrive before starting in on the beer. From the sound of it, there'll be plenty of reason to drink as they talk anyway.
Zack was used to being a guy who'd be late to things but with how laid back this world was he had somehow been working on it more. Maybe just the fact he had the option to sleep in is why he didn't anymore. Regardless he didn't take long to get to the meetup spot and when he did it was evident on his face how nervous Zack was.
"Hey Geddoe, get here safe I hope?" He walked over to the other man just smiled, not yet ready for hugs at the moment. "Whatcha thinking of drinking today?"
While Geddoe's not going to complain about the lack of a hug in public, he does note how out of sorts Zack seems to be. Obviously whatever this is about is weighing heavily on him.
"Haven't decided yet."
But probably something light on the alcohol to start with. If this ends up being a long or particularly heavy talk, it wouldn't do for him to get too drunk too quickly.
Especially if he winds up having to drag a much drunker Zack home after.
"Where did you wanna sit?"
There's a few open spots, but he'll defer to Zack's preference on whether he wants something with a modicum of privacy or with easy access to keep the drinks flowing.
For once Zack doesn't try to find a spot in the open, instead he leads them to a back corner booth where they can have some privacy.
"Mind sitting here?" Despite asking he sits in the booth and already his leg is shaking a little. He tries to quiet it by putting his hands on his thighs which helps for a bit.
It's probably also to be noted that this is one of the first times Zack isn't travelling with one of his pokemon out and about. He has them with him in pokeballs but didn't want to let any of them join in for this conversation.
"I....I'm sorry Geddoe. I'm so nervous right now I can't seem to calm down."
Rather than give a verbal answer, Geddoe just takes the seat opposite Zack. None of his usual team is out, either, despite protests from both Zipper and Bolt.
"That's why you wanted a drink, isn't it?" he replies. It's a little bit joking, but with a bit more trace of sympathy than usual. Geddoe has plenty of things himself that are hard to even think about without a stiff drink or two.
"You don't have to push yourself or rush for my sake."
He made sure he had nothing else to do tonight, he's good to just quietly wait until Zack's ready to talk.
"I know I know, but still I thought I might have an easier time just...saying it all and getting it off my chest but I guess not." He sighs and leans back, lifting his legs up to his chest and making himself look much smaller then he actually is.
"Cloud is.....Cloud is the man I was protecting when I died..."
His words are soft, blue eyes distant as he seems to be watching those memories of them together instead of what's actually in front of him.
The words come out of his mouth before he can stop himself. It's obviously clear he hasn't told him that yet. That's the one thing Zack's been hiding from most.
"He's also....younger. The Cloud I knew was a little older after everything happened. He's from before shit hit the fan and I don't know what to do. How do you tell someone so sweet and innocent that their life is going to suck in a few months time?"
Rather than try to answer right away, Geddoe takes a moment to think about it. Fortunately, he has encountered someone involved with a form of time travel before, so at least that part isn't too hard to wrap his mind around. A good thing, too, because the rest of it merits some serious thought as it is.
"Does he know that you're from later, at least?" he asks at last.
"I haven't told him anything yet. I've....been lying to him."
It hurts to say it out loud. This is Zack Fair, the ultra honest good boy of ShinRa. He doesn't lie on important things like this and yet here he has been lying to the person most important to him and it shows on his face. Zack's clearly not his usual cheery self.
"I don't want to. I hate lying to him but...Geddoe there is so much that happened. If he knew it'd break his heart. I can't possibly tell him."
There's so much Geddoe could say to that. Really, it's almost more a question where to start... And just how blunt he wants to be.
"... Why not tell him you're from a later time, and that you don't want to talk about it yet?" It could be argued that's still lying by omission, in a way, but it's better than an outright lie. "If he respects your feelings, then he shouldn't ask much about it."
There's definitely more he can say on this, but he's taking it one step at a time for now.
Sure he could say that but Cloud's a curious guy and he's smarter than he looks. To Zack, Cloud already looks so smart too so it's just a bad idea to hint at a secret. Cloud's going to find out somehow, it's just a matter of time really.
"He's going to ask...I know he will eventually. How do I tell someone I love that their family is going to die...their whole village...that everything they ever wanted was a lie and that I'm going to leave him?"
And this is where Geddoe can only just sigh. It's not a sigh of exasperation at Zack or anything, but the sigh of someone who's, well, been through experiences like that and knows all too well the scars they leave. There is, perhaps, a hint of very old, very deep pain in that single eye, before the gaze turns piercing, instead.
"He'll find out eventually, won't he? He'll live through it for himself, someday. And when he does, if it's the same as you remember, he'll be all alone for it.
"But here he has you anyway. If you tell him, you'll be here for him, even though you weren't when it happened before. If how he feels matters so much, then at least you could leave it up to him to decide after being warned. Is keeping him in the dark really for his sake... Or for yours?"
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winterfish
[video] | @strife
Date: 2022-11-13 09:19 pm (UTC)Re: [video] | @strife
Date: 2022-11-13 09:54 pm (UTC)Spike...is it really you???
no subject
Date: 2022-11-13 10:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 05:39 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 06:05 am (UTC)[Cloud seems to hunch a little, face falling.]
Guess I broke my promise, huh? I said I'd stay with you here and we'd travel together and find a place...
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Date: 2022-11-25 04:07 pm (UTC)No no it's okay buddy. It's not like you choose to leave. I hear people just vanish all the time so it's not your fault. I'm just glad you are back. Do you know where you are so I can come get you? I have tons of friends for you to meet.
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Date: 2022-11-26 03:51 am (UTC)[Cloud's eyes widen slightly. So Zack could vanish, too. And Zack said he's been gone for months, even though to Cloud it's only been a couple of hours since he was here last. What if Zack is gone for that long, or even longer?
He feels a little nervous about Zack wanting him to meet lots of people, but he's not about to say no. It's no surprise whatsoever that Zack's made tons of friends here - everyone loves Zack, and for good reason. Cloud just hopes none of them love Zack the way he does...]
Yeah, New Bark Town again. No warp here, though, so I can meet you in Cherrygrove in a couple days. Um...so did you...find a place of your own? --stupid question, obviously you must've. I mean, where is it?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-28 08:35 pm (UTC)[Boy is cloud going to be surprised when he founds out how few friends Zack has made in the time he's been gone. He might be loved in their world but this world was a little different.]
Just been wandering mostly so I've been staying at inns and motels and such. I did find a place in goldenrod I've been thinking of renting though. It's kinda big for myself though and don't worry I'll come find you!
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Date: 2022-12-02 02:36 am (UTC)...it doesn't occur to Cloud that by 'friends' Zack might be talking about Pokemon.]
Wasn't worried.
[Cloud smiles. It's true - he wasn't. He knew Zack would come find him. Zack would never abandon him. The smile does falter after a moment, though.]
So...does that mean you...um, you still wanna get a place with me? Or--if not, th-that's okay, too. I can live on my own, no problem.
no subject
Date: 2022-12-05 08:40 pm (UTC)Still get a place? Cloud I haven't got one yet because I didn't want to without you. You're my buddy, my favorite person. I'm lonely without you. Yeah I have my pokepals and I love them but it's not the same. Only have maybe a handful of people I talk to here and they aren't the adventuring types really. It's not for everyone so I get it.....
Anyway yeah, let's get a place together. You and me Spike.
no subject
Date: 2022-12-05 09:30 pm (UTC)Well, it's true that in this world there are no SOLDIERs or Turks or pretty flower girls or anything. Just ordinary people like Cloud. So it makes sense that Zack would get attached to him as the only part of home he has here. And it wounds his pride a little to accept that, but Cloud's not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. If he can be what Zack needs in this world, then he'll do it, gladly.
He's pretty sure he's blinking stupidly into the camera for a second before he smiles again, brighter this time, and nods.]
Yeah.
no subject
Date: 2022-12-06 03:34 pm (UTC)I'm excited! I'll come get you and we can go apartment hunting right away! I have so many new pokemon to show you Cloud! Gosh I missed you so much. This is going to be great!
a letter, dated about a half-week or so after Zack left to meet his friend
Date: 2022-12-08 01:26 am (UTC)... Look, maybe after seeing a certain post he was a tiny bit concerned, okay?
Re: a letter, dated about a half-week or so after Zack left to meet his friend
Date: 2022-12-08 11:27 pm (UTC)Awww man I hope he picks up.
no subject
Date: 2022-12-09 12:08 am (UTC)"Yes?"
He's sure Zack's calling because he has something he wants to say, so might as well get straight to the point.
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Date: 2023-01-16 07:18 am (UTC)"Geddoe, buddy!"
His voice is loud on the other hand.
"Guess what happened!?"
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Date: 2023-01-16 07:33 pm (UTC)"You found yourself another dog by slipping in its slobber?"
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Date: 2023-01-16 07:52 pm (UTC)Yup he forgot his train of thought.
"Oh! I called cause Spike is back!"
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Date: 2023-01-16 09:24 pm (UTC)"So that's why you went running off?"
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Date: 2023-01-17 03:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-01-17 04:54 pm (UTC)Geddoe does have all the warps between Cherrygrove and Ecruteak now, so that helps at least. Though the bigger question might be when Zack will have the time to pry himself away from his buddy...
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Date: 2023-01-17 05:00 pm (UTC)"Would you come to goldenrod? I can't really go too far right now and there are tons of bars here."
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Date: 2023-01-17 05:10 pm (UTC)Short and to the point. He'll probably need a more precise 'where' too, but they can get to that.
((At airport so can't get on disc, you want this before or after they got introduced, since Geddoe's letter was from before?))
no subject
Date: 2023-01-17 05:22 pm (UTC)"Maybe this weekend? That good with you or are you working?"
Zack's own voice is growing a little more nervous as he speaks. This is gonna be a hard convo for him.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-17 05:37 pm (UTC)"Should be fine."
He notices that nervousness, though.
"You gonna be alright?"
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Date: 2023-01-17 05:39 pm (UTC)He pauses and it's clear he's not dealing with this well.
"I'll explain it all when I see you."
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Date: 2023-01-18 12:28 am (UTC)Obviously there's more to it, but he's not going to press the issue. Zack seems intent on telling him later, anyway.
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Date: 2023-01-27 04:07 pm (UTC)He still sounds really upset but he's trying to be his normal Zack self.
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Date: 2023-01-27 04:44 pm (UTC)He's joking about that, he's not going to try to make Zack buy him drinks. Though he won't say no if he really wants to, either.
"Just let me know when and where."
And if Zack doesn't have more to add, well, Geddoe will see him come the weekend.
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Date: 2023-01-31 03:17 pm (UTC)He's more serious in tone then and sighs as he rolls over.
"So this weekend. I'll send you a message of the details..."
He's about to hang up but remembers one thing first.
"Oh! Thanks for the letters by the way, it's...it's really nice to get mail like that all handwritten. It's really cool. Is it okay if I maybe keep any letters you save me?"
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Date: 2023-01-31 03:56 pm (UTC)Geddoe makes a noncommittal noise. To say he dislikes talking about himself is something of an understatement, after all. But who knows, there could be a rare exception.
He does, however, raise an eyebrow at that question.
"I don't think you need my permission for that," he points out, maybe just a hint of amusement in his tone. "I don't mind, anyway."
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Date: 2023-01-31 04:40 pm (UTC)He starts to trail off but then just smiles and tries to think of happier things.
"Is there a way I can send you letters too?"
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Date: 2023-01-31 05:19 pm (UTC)Maybe that wasn't quite what Zack meant, but he did ask.
"People seem to send packages more often, but they take letters, too. If someone you want to write to is traveling a lot, you can send it to the next Pokemon center to wait."
It's much easier being able to mail things openly, at that. Geddoe's used to having to maintain much more covert exchanges with various contacts.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-31 05:48 pm (UTC)Of course Geddoe did give him an answer with pokemon centers so in that case he can do that. He is going to have to work on his penmanship to send letter though, his isn't the best.
"Any trips you taking soon or can I send them to pokemon centers?"
no subject
Date: 2023-01-31 07:04 pm (UTC)"I can try to let you kno when I'm planning on heading somewhere."
He's supposed to give notice to his employer anyway, after all. Of course, this assumes it's planned and not because something suddenly came up, that is.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-31 09:19 pm (UTC)There is a little chuckle.
"Anyway I'll let you go. Thanks for answering Geddoe. I always feel better when I talk to you. See you this weekend!"
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Date: 2023-02-01 01:48 am (UTC)In any case, however, the weekend rolls around soon enough, and Geddoe takes the warp pad to Goldenrod to meet up at the appointment time and place. He's probably a little early by stint of not really having anything better to do. That, and old habit of taking the opportunity to scout out the area while he's here. He will, however, wait for Zack to arrive before starting in on the beer. From the sound of it, there'll be plenty of reason to drink as they talk anyway.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-01 02:19 pm (UTC)"Hey Geddoe, get here safe I hope?" He walked over to the other man just smiled, not yet ready for hugs at the moment. "Whatcha thinking of drinking today?"
no subject
Date: 2023-02-01 02:47 pm (UTC)"Haven't decided yet."
But probably something light on the alcohol to start with. If this ends up being a long or particularly heavy talk, it wouldn't do for him to get too drunk too quickly.
Especially if he winds up having to drag a much drunker Zack home after.
"Where did you wanna sit?"
There's a few open spots, but he'll defer to Zack's preference on whether he wants something with a modicum of privacy or with easy access to keep the drinks flowing.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-01 02:58 pm (UTC)"Mind sitting here?" Despite asking he sits in the booth and already his leg is shaking a little. He tries to quiet it by putting his hands on his thighs which helps for a bit.
It's probably also to be noted that this is one of the first times Zack isn't travelling with one of his pokemon out and about. He has them with him in pokeballs but didn't want to let any of them join in for this conversation.
"I....I'm sorry Geddoe. I'm so nervous right now I can't seem to calm down."
no subject
Date: 2023-02-01 03:21 pm (UTC)"That's why you wanted a drink, isn't it?" he replies. It's a little bit joking, but with a bit more trace of sympathy than usual. Geddoe has plenty of things himself that are hard to even think about without a stiff drink or two.
"You don't have to push yourself or rush for my sake."
He made sure he had nothing else to do tonight, he's good to just quietly wait until Zack's ready to talk.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-03 03:11 pm (UTC)"Cloud is.....Cloud is the man I was protecting when I died..."
His words are soft, blue eyes distant as he seems to be watching those memories of them together instead of what's actually in front of him.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-03 03:23 pm (UTC)So, presumably someone very important to Zack. Someone he should, by all rights, be thrilled to have a chance to be with again.
But the fact that he's still so apprehensive about the situation suggests there's a bit more to it than that.
"And something about that's troubling you, now that he's here?"
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 02:28 am (UTC)The words come out of his mouth before he can stop himself. It's obviously clear he hasn't told him that yet. That's the one thing Zack's been hiding from most.
"He's also....younger. The Cloud I knew was a little older after everything happened. He's from before shit hit the fan and I don't know what to do. How do you tell someone so sweet and innocent that their life is going to suck in a few months time?"
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 02:49 am (UTC)Rather than try to answer right away, Geddoe takes a moment to think about it. Fortunately, he has encountered someone involved with a form of time travel before, so at least that part isn't too hard to wrap his mind around. A good thing, too, because the rest of it merits some serious thought as it is.
"Does he know that you're from later, at least?" he asks at last.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 02:56 am (UTC)It hurts to say it out loud. This is Zack Fair, the ultra honest good boy of ShinRa. He doesn't lie on important things like this and yet here he has been lying to the person most important to him and it shows on his face. Zack's clearly not his usual cheery self.
"I don't want to. I hate lying to him but...Geddoe there is so much that happened. If he knew it'd break his heart. I can't possibly tell him."
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 03:08 am (UTC)"... Why not tell him you're from a later time, and that you don't want to talk about it yet?" It could be argued that's still lying by omission, in a way, but it's better than an outright lie. "If he respects your feelings, then he shouldn't ask much about it."
There's definitely more he can say on this, but he's taking it one step at a time for now.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 03:17 am (UTC)"He's going to ask...I know he will eventually. How do I tell someone I love that their family is going to die...their whole village...that everything they ever wanted was a lie and that I'm going to leave him?"
no subject
Date: 2023-03-08 03:27 am (UTC)And this is where Geddoe can only just sigh. It's not a sigh of exasperation at Zack or anything, but the sigh of someone who's, well, been through experiences like that and knows all too well the scars they leave. There is, perhaps, a hint of very old, very deep pain in that single eye, before the gaze turns piercing, instead.
"He'll find out eventually, won't he? He'll live through it for himself, someday. And when he does, if it's the same as you remember, he'll be all alone for it.
"But here he has you anyway. If you tell him, you'll be here for him, even though you weren't when it happened before. If how he feels matters so much, then at least you could leave it up to him to decide after being warned. Is keeping him in the dark really for his sake... Or for yours?"