crossmyheartandhope

[ Considering his words a little more carefully. ]

I'm not trying to lecture you about spending more time here or there. I'm just trying to understand what makes you more comfortable. If Heart Soldier is a place where you'd prefer to be only to do the essentials, then that's all I'd like to know.

[He picks at his nails a little more - glances up at Mercury, and then back down again.]

...I'm okay to hang out sometimes.

Just not, like - all the time. Y'know?

Yeah, that's understandable.

... If you don't mind my speaking, it feels like you're actively avoiding the entire team, which I think worries them a lot more than if it was just explained the way it was to me.

...I mean. I kinda was, this time?

Stuff's mostly sorted, though, so - so, I'll be around more.

Take your time. I think, more than anything else, everyone just wants to be sure you're rested and comfortable. Where you do it is a pretty minor detail in comparison.

[Glances up at Mercury again, and then away again.]

[Up, and away.]

[He bites at his lower lip, and he doesn't say anything - like he's waiting for something, maybe.]

[ Watching him. ]

... I'm guessing this kind of talk is uncomfortable to have, huh? Sorry to swoop in like this. I just wanted to let you know what I was honestly thinking about for a bit. I thought it might ease any worries you may have had.

...sorry.

I didn't mean -

You guys shouldn't've had to worry. I shoulda just, like. Sucked it up and got it done earlier.

Nah, don't worry about it like that. You had a lot going on, right? It's understandable that you'd need some time.

... I'd say the only thing different I'd suggest is just letting everyone know you needed some time to yourself. Actions implied it... but words are a little more reassuring, you know?

...yeah. I guess.

Ah- sorry, it ended up being kinda lecture-y anyway, huh?

I really did just want to have an honest talk.

...nah, s'my fault.

I'm not so great at stuff like this.

... Would you be open to trying to improve upon it with a little guidance? I feel like I'm definitely missing most of my memory related to this kind of thing, but I'd like to offer what advice I can. Of course, it's up to you to decide what would work best for yourself but I think it helps having someone to talk over some things with.

What, like... how not to suck at serious business talks lessons?

I don't know if I'm that good, but I'd be willing to work with you to figure out comfortable ways for you to approach those kinds of topics. No one really likes doing them, but maybe we can work out a way to make them more bearable.

I mean... sure. I guess.

If you wanna.

... I think it's more important to know if you want to do it.

I don't want to pressure you into something you don't want to do.

[He's quiet for a long couple of seconds, picking at his nails.]

...I don't really want to.

But I probly should.

... Thanks, Hurricane. For being willing to give it a try.

I'll keep this confidential, and we can meet outside of Heart Soldier's dorms, if that makes you more comfortable.

Yeah. If that's... if that's okay.

Of course. It's about making you comfortable, after all.

Ah- let me tell you one more thing ahead of time, so I don't catch you by surprise later.

I've been working out a coded communication plan for Heart Soldier. It's not ready yet, but... I figured you'd might like the heads up now rather than when a meeting happens.

...got another one coming, huh?

Not for a few days, maybe, but soon.

... I don't want to linger on the past with it. Everyone knows what they need to at this point. What I'd like to do is try to work out a future where we can all move and act freely and comfortably.

Yeah. Okay, cool. Yeah.

Like I said, s'better to get stuff like that out of the way. So.

Ah, more like... it seems like we never know when something will happen? So getting a plan in place sooner would be better. But at the same time, I'd like it to be as well thought out as possible. Because if I mess this up, it's the people around me who'll be hurt by it.

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