[ there is something deeper and more profound going on, and even with albert's response, he knows that there are things albert isn't telling him. but he knows, too, that albert is burdened and haunted by them. that albert squarely takes the blame makes his heart ache.

they must be terrible things. but ignis sympathises; he is no stranger to terrible things and hard choices. he understands that sometimes they must be done, for the betterment of everything else. ignis regards him for a long moment, then gestures for him to continue eating. he stays close, choosing his words with care. ]

You can tell me about it when you're ready, if only to have its weight lifted off your shoulders. I would be a fool to let you go, wouldn't I?