[It’s a dangerous moment. He’s so stunned, and Aubrey’s taken off-guard in turn by the bluntness of his response; she could almost agree. They’ve been apart for so long…]

I… I want you, too. Always. [Just saying what they want; that’s not dishonest. She’s talking without consideration, despite the initial hesitance; more danger, but surely less so than leaving blanks in silence?] Every time you disappear, I just— I don’t want to find you bleeding out anymore. I need to know you’re safe.

[Ahh… it’s true and, somehow, evasive. Who knew....]