ryuwrighthistory | Empatheias IC inbox

. . .[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.

. . .Always put on your biggest smile, no matter how bad it gets. [He laughs quietly with a knowing smile. It's a shame Asougi never got to meet him. He looks up to him.]

Well, I'm ready to try again whenever you are.

Hmm. [ He rubs at his arm lightly, in part to feel if he's tense or not. ] This time, I believe you.

[He boops him on the cheek.] I'm glad to have your approval dad. [He's reluctant to verbally admit the break ended up being helpful. He'll finish his meal before standing back up.]

[ His face falls just a bit at that, but he doesn't comment on it otherwise, nodding slowly as he stands as well, munching on the rest of his meal. ]

Then let's see it.

Don't rush me. [The other part of the problem is that he has someone watching him make a fool of himself. Even if it's just his best friend, it's still Asougi. He takes a deep breath, going back to his position from before. He is feeling better, so maybe he can keep his mind on the target a little more. He draws back his bow and takes aim, hands more comfortable holding the weapon this time.]

[ He takes a step back so he isn't obviously in Naruhodou's personal space now. There's no need for that anymore, now that he's not quite as stuck in his own head as he was. He crosses his arms and tilts his head to the side, watching him quietly. ]

. . .[He lowers his bow, not really feeling the shot was there. He shuts his eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again, eyes now on the tree in front of him as he raises his bow. He lets go of the arrow and it manages to hit it's mark this time.

It takes a moment for it register and when it does, he lets out some air, putting his hands on his knees.] I did it. [He manages to say under his breath.]

[ When he speaks, it's much more encouraging this time. ]

You did it.

[He lifts his head, smiling brightly up to Asougi.] I did! [He straightens up, looking to the arrow now lodged in the tree.] I have to do it again.

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