rupert

[outsidebones]

Comments

[agleam]

[he gives her a concerned glance.]

...That doesn't have to mean it's easy, you know.

[outsidebones]

[she sighs, frowning, worrying her lip with her teeth.]

I did like him. I just feel rather foolish carrying on when he may as well have been a stranger. But... he was kind to me, in his way.

[agleam]

Well... I don't know if I'd say allowing yourself to feel sad is the same as carrying on.

[regardless, after a moment:]

I'm sorry, though.

[outsidebones]

It feels like carrying on when someone feels the need to comfort me. How excessively maudlin of me.

[he's just being nice, harrow.]

...I should be asking you about your emotional welfare, anyway.

[agleam]

Um... If it makes you feel better, I'd say that to most people in this situation, so it's not like I'm reacting to you being dramatic or anything.

[an awkward pause, before he shrugs.]

I didn't know him that well, but... He went through a lot on Thursday, even before the night came. I hoped he'd get a break, or - as much as anyone can, in a place like this.

[outsidebones]

I would have hoped, too. [...] Though in a sense, he has gotten a break.

[dark.]

I mean your emotional well-being following what happened on Thursday. I am required to inquire after it, as part of my bargain with Gemini, so I hope you will answer honestly.

[agleam]

...That's not exactly what I would call a break.

[he doesn't sound angry as he says that, at least, but he paused when she continues on.]

Oh. Um... I mean, I don't think anyone is ever completely okay after going through one of those things. I - saw things and did things that were... That I really didn't want.

[outsidebones]

[a slow nod.]

They're very...nasty.

[hope he's enjoying being comforted by harrow.]

Lup will forgive you, you know.

[agleam]

[he pauses for a moment.]

...Did she tell you what happened?

[outsidebones]

To some extent. I know you were turned against one another, and that you killed Taako.

[agleam]

[he pauses, brows furrowing a little at that last part, before he nods.]

I guess I did indirectly, yeah. [...] It's more that - I was turned against the rest of them. I don't think the other three had the same thing happen. At first it was that I just didn't trust them, but it got worse, and by the end... All I could think about was hurting them, or worse.

[outsidebones]

You had your feelings manipulated. That is dreadful, and not your fault.

[agleam]

I know.

[logically, at least.]

But it's not like I'm going to be mad or anything if she stays upset. She still saw me do some horrible things, even if it wasn't really me, you know?

[outsidebones]

...Knowing Lup, the part she is struggling with is witnessing the death of her brother. He is very dear to her.

Perhaps she is angry with you because she doesn't know who else to be angry with.

[agleam]

[he nods.]

Right... And if that's the case, I don't really want to upset her even more, you know? She had to go through a lot yesterday. I think the least I can do is keep my distance until she's ready to talk to me. I mean, if she is ready while we're still here.

[outsidebones]

[she fiddles a little awkwardly with her sleeve, frowning.]

...Yes. I think you are right; it is best to avoid her until she approaches you.

[agleam]

[he nods.]

I didn't want to hurt her in the first place, so... Now what I want most is just to not make it worse.

[but he coughs a few times, wincing as he does from the motion; the petals that come out are a shade of blue.]

—Sorry.

[outsidebones]

It's alright.

[she says it gently, even if she's just standing there awkwardly.]

Thank you for trying to be kind to her.

[agleam]

[taking a small breath.]

I think that's kind of the least I can do. But - you're welcome.