There was silence, and hesitation, and still Albedo waited for the answer either way. There was infinite patience in one who had all of the time in all worlds, despite the impatience that flows like blood through him at other times. He waited, and stared, and Ritsuka looked away, spoke softly.

Albedo blinked. And then blinked again. And there was something of himself peeking upwards now, something that watched Ritsuka with wide eyes. It was care, in the end, that would always affect. Care and concern would trace more fiercely than he could say, when it came as real, actual, genuine. And here was the shock to the senses, like and unlike Nigredo in the solitary cell, stopping Albedo's hand from crushing his throat. "Do you really want to kill me? I'll let you." No, he wouldn't-- Not now, and not-- here.

He blinked again, and shook his head slightly, clearing the remnants from his mind. "Then don't," he said softly, firmly, as he drew his hand back. Albedo nodded once, keeping his eyes on the other boy. "We'll agree. To not hurt each other."

A promise he had only given to one other. But what other would act as Ritsuka did? Denying this for the simple fact of withholding so he wasn't in pain. It was so outrageous, so entirely unexpected. What was... What kind of person....

He couldn't even think. He found himself smiling softly, and his gaze flicked down.