Laughter in that pitch from this source hinted at misgivings. Nigredo froze, muscles steeling on instinct. A part still waited for rejection, the absence of belief; he would remind himself faith was not an easy aspect to gain. They had perhaps lost that chance, and in the end, they were merely fooling themselves.

No rejection came, however. All that arose was a question, mirrored in need, more complicated than he was willing to convey. Nigredo continued his motions and gave no answers for a minute, more out of surprise than deliberation. He hadn't known to expect it.

"I want a lot of things," he finally muttered in reluctance, as if the reiteration bordered on shameful. "You gave me some of them." Love and acceptance when he lacked entirely, even when both would prove temporary. Especially when he did not deserve them. Eased his mind with potentials when he had thought to reach an impasse with Rubedo or life. Albedo had been generous.

And Nigredo was suddenly crying. Without explanation. Tears lined the boy's eyelids as pressure built against the walls in his head. "That's enough, Albedo." More than enough. "I'm happy with what I have."