A touch came like a shock, and his head stretched to consider his brother. Despite Nigredo's words, Albedo didn't move, other than to reach awkwardly to the hand touching and hold it. "Nigredo..."

Would he touch here, press for confirmation? If Albedo could take that Nigredo wouldn't hurt him... Though it didn't matter, did it? That's what made it unfair. Physical harm had never mattered to this Variant. The things that needed trust were emotional in nature, and Albedo, despite leanings, had not yet allowed himself to even consider that. He was a hypocrite, and he knew this, but he would still move forward.

Of the two things touched on, one would not be spoken of. He had already decided that tonight. It left only an issue of trust, not altogether wrong. Albedo had tried to attack him multiple times, two nights ago even, and Nigredo wasn't wrong. To be wary. Except that now....

He pressed in to his brother's side more, the move unconscious. "Unless something changes... Unless something...." Words failed where explanation wanted. {I wouldn't hurt you. I won't hurt you. Understand.}

Please understand. Don't shut me out.