CATCHALL OTOME

[ghoststrums]

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[ghoststrums]

[ well. both, but. ]

... Physically. I think, mentally, most of us are in a similar space.

[ but she probably has it worse, he doesn't say ]

[momming]

That would make the most sense...

... But I'm fine. The ribs will take the longest to heal, but the other injuries are shallow and will bruise at worst.

[ghoststrums]

... I guess you'd know best on that front. Is there anything that would help?

[ he really does not know shit about dealing with injuries outside of the very shallow stuff ]

[momming]

I'll ice them a little later, but for now... I suppose no jogging around for a while.

[ghoststrums]

We don't have painkillers here, either, do we?

[ frowning a little in fussy concern ]

[momming]

[ ... oh, honey. ]

I carry some in my bag. Though I'd prefer not to use them on myself if things like this are only going to continue...

[ghoststrums]

We can buy this stuff with vouchers. [ at least? ] Don't hold back and make yourself suffer on what ifs.

[momming]

... Yamato-kun, do you have siblings?

[ghoststrums]

[ oh. that takes him back but he nods, short ]

Mm. I have a younger brother. Why?

[momming]

You sound as though you're used to looking after others. The kind way you scolded me just now made me think you might be a big brother.

[ With a rueful smile. ]

And I can't argue with such a sensible response.

[ghoststrums]

[ oh. he flushes a little, looking away? it's clearly meant as a nice thing but he's awkward anyway ]

That's... Sorry, Yanagiya-san. I wasn't trying to scold you.

[momming]

No, it's fine. You don't have to apologize-- I tend to forget that I need to keep myself healthy too.

[ She's clearly not offended. ]

So I need a reminder every now and then. I appreciate it, Yamato-kun.

[ghoststrums]

... Mm. [ he's still a little awkward about it but seems more willing to accept it ] It's a common thing, I think. I've got a friend who does that a lot too. Takes care of everyone before herself.

[momming]

Ah, so you're familiar with the type. I hope she doesn't push herself too much?

[ghoststrums]

... Sometimes. But she's got someone who helps with that, I think. [ he tilts his head a little ] Maybe this applies to more than one of my friends.

[momming]

I... think I'm in the same boat. We have a rather confident young man I work with who tends to place all the burdens on his shoulders instead of talking to people about them.

[ghoststrums]

...Mm. [ he's got a faraway look in his eyes as he looks away for a second before he shakes his head and turns back to her ]

I guess it's always easier to support other people than it is to ask for help.

[momming]

[ He clearly knows the type. ]

And which one are you, Yamato-kun?

[ghoststrums]

[ ... he smiles, briefly and weakly ]

I don't know. I'd like to think I've gotten better at not trying to only rely on myself, at least.

[momming]

It sounds like you have. I imagine if you hadn't, you might have said something like--

[ She deepens her voice and sounds all gruff ]

"This is MY problem and I've got to go it alone!"

[ghoststrums]

[ ... well he still thinks that sometimes but he hasn't said it in a while, but also, still; ]

Yanagiya-san, bringing up memories from my childhood like that is too painful.

[ he's joking. a little. ]

[momming]

[ She has to laugh. It hurts, so it's breathy at best, but still. ]

We learn a lot from who we used to be during our childhoods! I can certainly tell that you're quite the mature individual today.

[ghoststrums]

Ah... I don't know about that, but thanks. [ it's not as flustering, because it's not the first time he hears that one. ] About your friend... He's taking it all on himself, so have you told him you're there to help?

[momming]

I have. He's done so much for me-- for all of us, I don't want him to think we don't appreciate it or don't want to help him move forward with all of us beside him.

[ghoststrums]

Good. Just... keep reminding him of it. He'll figure it out eventually.

[ probably, yamato doesn't add, ]