He's still on his knees from where he'd landed in the Metaverse, hands clenched into tight fists as he looks to her. The Shadow is gone, the flickering, hazy weirdness of the distortions are gone. It's just the two of them in the observation deck, a place that's become almost normal in the past few months. Normal has become a relative term on this station, after all.
Can he even be considered "normal" anymore? Having lived in outer space like this?]
I... I am?
[His eyes meet hers, flicking across her face as if searching for a lie and not finding any evidence at all. No contradictions, nothing to refute. You matter to me, you're a person I rely on.
All I want is for you to stand beside me and be yourself.
His heart pounds in his chest, and he closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. He'd never once considered that she was faking being his friend, but he'd still... never tried to see it from anyone else's perspective. The constant wondering what he can do to help people, to let them know they can rely on him, and he'd never stopped to think about who he might have already helped. Who might already think he's reliable, in spite of his own opinion of himself.]
I... okay, [he says finally, very quietly, opening his eyes and meeting hers. There's a fresh resolve hidden behind the residual uncertainty, and he nods, as if confirming it to himself.] I'll try... not to let you down.
[He exhales through his nose again, tilting his head and giving her a small, tired smile.]
no subject
[I feel like I'm being scolded...
He's still on his knees from where he'd landed in the Metaverse, hands clenched into tight fists as he looks to her. The Shadow is gone, the flickering, hazy weirdness of the distortions are gone. It's just the two of them in the observation deck, a place that's become almost normal in the past few months. Normal has become a relative term on this station, after all.
Can he even be considered "normal" anymore? Having lived in outer space like this?]
I... I am?
[His eyes meet hers, flicking across her face as if searching for a lie and not finding any evidence at all. No contradictions, nothing to refute. You matter to me, you're a person I rely on.
All I want is for you to stand beside me and be yourself.
His heart pounds in his chest, and he closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. He'd never once considered that she was faking being his friend, but he'd still... never tried to see it from anyone else's perspective. The constant wondering what he can do to help people, to let them know they can rely on him, and he'd never stopped to think about who he might have already helped. Who might already think he's reliable, in spite of his own opinion of himself.]
I... okay, [he says finally, very quietly, opening his eyes and meeting hers. There's a fresh resolve hidden behind the residual uncertainty, and he nods, as if confirming it to himself.] I'll try... not to let you down.
[He exhales through his nose again, tilting his head and giving her a small, tired smile.]
You... really are incredible, Haru.