ghoststrums | CATCHALL OTOME

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.

[ 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.

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.

... 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.

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

... 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.

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.

...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.

[ He clearly knows the type. ]

And which one are you, Yamato-kun?

[ ... 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.

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!"

[ ... 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. ]

[ 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.

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?

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.

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

[ probably, yamato doesn't add, ]

... Well, I do think you're right that it might take multiple reminders...

[ PROTAGS. ]

People like that can be pretty stubborn.

[ he is thinking of taichi, right now, right this second, ]

I feel like you're speaking from experience.

...

[ he shrugs, a little ]

I don't know that it's the same. A lot of that... we put on him in the first place. [ he shakes his head because no one needs to know this shit oops ]

[ He sounds... a little troubled, and she frowns, concerned. ]

Are you worried he might blame you for that?

No. He's not the type to do that. [ he shrugs a shoulder ] I guess I don't know how to balance how much I expect from him, and that I wish... things could be easier for him, too.

... To take your own words for a minute, have you told him? I think saying that you admire him and believe in his potential, but that you also wish it didn't put such a burden on him and that you want to help... might cover it?

Of course, I don't know the situation, so I'm sorry if I'm overstepping.

[ reflexively making a face like he would RATHER DIE, wow ]

He knows. Already. Enough. If I said any of that, he'd just look confused anyway.

[ wow, his face ]

... And it might be embarrassing?

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ghoststrums - 2021-06-14 13:31 (UTC) - Expand