You make it sound so easy, Aerith-dono. [ but he understands, he thinks. ] Imanotsurugi and I were still learning how to do that, before he left. It’s the best thing that we can do for each other here, isn’t it? To try, at least.
[ smiling, he shakes his head. ]
It’s not a bad thing. He’s a good friend - a very caring one that I often miss. [ but that isn’t the point here, so his expression turns a bit solemn. ] Perhaps you’re right. But by now, I’m not sure I’d even know where to begin trying.
Oh, sorry. [and she genuinely does mean sorry because she realizes sometimes she just says things without thinking through how they may come across.] But you're right. We've talked about this a little before, haven't we? Just doing our best to try. I don't think anyone can say anything bad about people making attempts.
[she looks curious, like she wants to ask iwa more about his friend, but her own expression shifts to match. that's...a loaded question, and she does understand why he's asking. so she takes a moment to herself to think of the best answer.]
For me? I think maybe just...the basics, really. Even if I don't understand why I feel the way I do about things, sometimes just saying out loud "I'm hurting" or "I'm angry" helps to focus on the next step to share. The acknowledgment that you feel it at all is the biggest step.
Mm, you're right. That's the most we can really ask of one another.
[ he listens intently, turning the words over in his head, mulling them over. ]
I think... both of those are true for most of us here. After all that we've been through, I think it would be more surprising not to feel that way. [ as for himself... ] I am hurt. I am angry. I'm frustrated, both with our situation and myself, but I don't know how to move forward from there.
I'd agree with that. Even those of us who can't put it into words likely feel that way. [but she listens, frowning softly when he finally phrases it that way.]
Saying it is a start, especially when you do so much to try and take care of everybody else instead. [...] What frustrates you most about the situation? And yourself? Do you know why?
[ aside from being a weapon, that's the purpose he chose for himself. to always stand beside imanotsurugi and those who need a little bit of extra strength. ]
Being unable to do anything but watch. Knowing what we know and still being unable to help. Not being there to protect them, like I said that I would. [ there's a hesitation here, as his expression breaks and his eyes fall from hers. he's trying to hold it back, clearly, but that goes against what they're trying to say, doesn't it? ] And... And that I wasn't strong enough to fight the monster. If I could have, then maybe - maybe I wouldn't have killed e. Maybe I would've still been able to help, somehow.
[oh...all of this is very familiar to some of the things she's heard from others and even what she's felt herself, but the monster adds a new layer of absolute despair to it all.]
It's hard, isn't it? When all you wanna do is dive through the rift and reach them, and reassure all of them that they'll be alright. Take on their burdens for them. [...] I don't think I'd say it was a matter of not being strong enough though. These monsters and the things they're doing to us...they're meant to take over entirely, no matter how strong or powerful we are.
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[ smiling, he shakes his head. ]
It’s not a bad thing. He’s a good friend - a very caring one that I often miss. [ but that isn’t the point here, so his expression turns a bit solemn. ] Perhaps you’re right. But by now, I’m not sure I’d even know where to begin trying.
Where would you start with something like this?
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[she looks curious, like she wants to ask iwa more about his friend, but her own expression shifts to match. that's...a loaded question, and she does understand why he's asking. so she takes a moment to herself to think of the best answer.]
For me? I think maybe just...the basics, really. Even if I don't understand why I feel the way I do about things, sometimes just saying out loud "I'm hurting" or "I'm angry" helps to focus on the next step to share. The acknowledgment that you feel it at all is the biggest step.
no subject
[ he listens intently, turning the words over in his head, mulling them over. ]
I think... both of those are true for most of us here. After all that we've been through, I think it would be more surprising not to feel that way. [ as for himself... ] I am hurt. I am angry. I'm frustrated, both with our situation and myself, but I don't know how to move forward from there.
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Saying it is a start, especially when you do so much to try and take care of everybody else instead. [...] What frustrates you most about the situation? And yourself? Do you know why?
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[ aside from being a weapon, that's the purpose he chose for himself. to always stand beside imanotsurugi and those who need a little bit of extra strength. ]
Being unable to do anything but watch. Knowing what we know and still being unable to help. Not being there to protect them, like I said that I would. [ there's a hesitation here, as his expression breaks and his eyes fall from hers. he's trying to hold it back, clearly, but that goes against what they're trying to say, doesn't it? ] And... And that I wasn't strong enough to fight the monster. If I could have, then maybe - maybe I wouldn't have killed e. Maybe I would've still been able to help, somehow.
no subject
It's hard, isn't it? When all you wanna do is dive through the rift and reach them, and reassure all of them that they'll be alright. Take on their burdens for them. [...] I don't think I'd say it was a matter of not being strong enough though. These monsters and the things they're doing to us...they're meant to take over entirely, no matter how strong or powerful we are.