ryuwrighthistory | Empatheias IC inbox

Alright. Now I'm going to insist you take a break.

[ He shifts his hand over to his shoulder and squeezes it gently before reaching around to steer him over to a spot where they can sit. ]

[There's still a bit of fight left in him and for a second, he thought about tossing him. In the end he couldn't bring himself to do it and gets directed anyway. The area above Naruhodou's head gets dark as a gloom sets in, shoulders drooping. Completely useless again.]

[ Once they're seated, he eyes him quietly for a moment before speaking up again. ]

Tell me what's on your mind, Naruhodou.

. . . [He takes his bento, slowly unwrapping the furoshiki.] Someday, we may find ourselves in a situation where we're forced to fight our way to safety here. I don't want to be a burden to you if that ever happens. [And then losing his best friend because of him.]

Is that really all it is? [ He takes his own bento, resting it in his lap. ] You've been quiet all morning. Tense.

Well of course, I didn't sleep well last night after all. [He snaps back unintentionally. He looks away, pressing a hand over his face as he takes a moment to breath, realizing what he's done.] I'm just...I just want these nightmares to stop. I want to spend time with you without constantly worrying, but I can't help it.

[ He lets out a soft sigh at that response — not so much what he says, but how he says it, and shakes his head. ]

It's not something one gets over easily, you know.

It's been four months, yet it doesn't feel like I've made much progress. [He slides his hand down, shaking his head.]

It's just today. . .I'll be fine tomorrow. [His voice sounded more quiet and tired. He proceeds to open his bento. Both will come with vegetables, tamago, fish cakes, rice and a protein. Asougi gets stewed beef while Naruhodou has chicken.]

[ He opens his as well, settling in. ]

You're doing fine.

. . .[His response to that is to eat a bit of his bento. It helps, a little. Leaning into his partner also helps.]

[ He huffs, leaning back into him as he starts picking at his food. ]

I mean that. And you say I push myself too hard.

[That...manages to put a smile on his face, finding something amusing.] Well, you do. [There's no bite behind his words, and his mood seems to have improved.] Thanks.

Now you listen to me? Honestly . . .

[ But it's a good-natured retort, and he chuckles softly. ]

It helps when you're actually being encouraging. [He gives him a nudge. Just a thought, eventhough he was the one being really stubborn.]

Is the food ok?

Don't get me started. [ He snorts, shaking his head. ] — but yes, it's fine as always.

It's not too spicy? [More like, he barely put any in.]

Not at all. It's just the right amount.

Oh. Good! [He seems pleased with himself.] I'm not very good with spicy things, but I wanted to try using different ingredients today. At least cooking is something I can be confident with.

You just need to get out of your own head.

[ He leans in to him at that. ]

[He sighs, leaning in as well.] I know. How do you do it? You always know how to carry yourself.

[ He draws an arm around him slowly. ]

I just push myself forward. That's all.

[He smiles fondly, feeling more at ease in his partner's arm.] You make it sound easy.

It's not, believe me. But if it's all you can do, then you do it — it's as simple as that.

[ "Simple." He knows it's not quite like that, but all the same. ]

[He hums quietly, taking a bite from his meal.] Like being cornered in court?

[ He considers that for a long moment before nodding. ]

Something like that.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject