[ It's kind of funny, because Aventurine would have every right to just push him away. After all, despite their shallow friendship, since when was Mr. Stellaron the hugging type, and when did Aventurine ever say that he was willing to take hugs from Caelus? Yet, despite everything, he just accepts Caelus's concern, his tone softening slightly as he lingers in the Trailblazer's embrace.

It's really nice. It's really, really nice. For a moment, Caelus could forget that an entire planet hangs in the balance, and that they have other things to do.

He lets out another trembling breath, but he's on the come-down, now. Slowly starting to relax. ]

...I didn't want to fight you, you know.

[ That part is true. Even before the events leading up to their memories being shared, Caelus didn't want to fight Aventurine. He'll have to tell the man that he knows everything now, but it's hard to bring that kind of thing up. What is he even going to say? Hey, I know about your dead sister and that you're the survivor of a genocide? No way in hell is he going to say anything like that, but. He'll have to bring it up. In a minute. Just give him a minute. ]

I knew you were lying. [ He scoffs. ] You unveil your grand plan, and it's just to blow me up? Yeah, sure. You could've thought of a better one.

[ There are worse things to do with a Stellaron, Caelus thinks, than just pull it out of his body and expect it to blow up.

Taking a deep breath, he practically crushes Aventurine to his chest — not enough to hurt, but hard enough that they will both understand the underlying desperation and sincerity mingled in the gesture. It's nice, being this close. He can tell that Aventurine is tired. ]

...I didn't believe you even then. I'd believe you even less now.