[Gently, he places his hand over Aymeric's, lightly squeezing it. It breaks his heart to know such a thing, but it also does not surprise him in the least. This is where it is different for them for how they were raised, he thinks.]

My father could never express fondness nor love for me, yet I could not hold him accountable for it. Quite a terrible mess things were when I was born into this world, not even touching upon Ishgard itself. [He hums, as if amused.] Yet, for all that was never spoken, I knew it from other things. The tiniest of gestures and looks. For me, that was enough. I couldn't say if that's quite the same as being cherished.

Yet, I would like to try. Mayhap in the same way, I cannot tell you in words. It is a feeling I hope to give, even when one does not think they are deserving.

Pray do tell me, of course, if I am too forward, and I will understand.

[He lifts that hand in his own. Though he had promised himself not to tease until another day, he thinks this is not quite the same; this is more like a confession, he supposes. The only heartbreak here is how little Aymeric thinks of himself. And so, let him be adored by as many as possible.

Haurchefant bows his head, pressing a soft kiss to the back of Aymeric's hand.]