[It's strange to see Jesper in pain and not be able to do anything about it. He hides his face behind his hands, and Giorno's fingers twitch, instinctively seeking to fix what aches, to press circles against the tension between Jesper's shoulders until they relax.]

[He can't, though. And he could suggest it, that it might be easier to speak in person, but he's worried that'll break this spell of honesty, which is the last thing he wants. So he just listens instead, quiet and attentive, as Jesper comes out from behind his hands and confesses.]

Kaz is right.

[That first. It is a gift. Giorno doesn't know how to reconcile a mother's statement with kindness, but he supposes she was right, too.]

But you were right too. At least from what you tell me, that's how it seems. You wanted to be safe and free and yourself. I've told lies for years so I could be safe and free and myself. It's hard to stop. Impossible to stop all at once.

[The corners of his mouth lift a little, quietly encouraging.]

You started, though. Just now. My friend told me he was a Grisha, and he's still my friend. Just like if I told him something he didn't know about me, I would still be his friend.