trusthell | Take Initiative.

Take Initiative.

It seems things have been resolved - peacefully, if more than a little awkwardly for most parties involved.

However, there's still work to do here, isn't there?

Ryuunosuke shrugs after a long moment; tips his head up a bit. "Hey, Glory? Let everyone up."

And apparently that's all it takes, though what that actually does isn't something that happens all at once - rather, panels slide out from the wall, forming a staircase up to that balcony they've been standing on. Mettaton doesn't really wait for the others to join them; he just leaves back through that section of wall they entered from, calling something back over his shoulder.

"We've got another room to work from back here, darlings, this shouldn't take too long to work out."

>Follow?

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Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that. I trust he'll let me know if he wants me to stop anything.

[...hmmm. how about... what looks like the brim of his hat. is that kind of like scratching a dog behind the ear. it's good that pokemon are a lot better at getting their feelings across to people than normal animals, at the very least...]

...ah, yes, that... was what Glory warned us about. It did serve to kick us into gear, and we learned some pretty valuable things... that we couldn't get across to you, unfortunately enough.

[Ohhh, well that seems to be going over well! Most have opted to just pet Beheeyem directly on his head, which is also fine! But this feels so nice! The little alien relaxes and leans into Tarrlok's hand, his fingers glowing on and off. Yep, he's definitely content with this. That's two for two...!

It's all so heartwarming! At least...that's what Colress thinks as he watches on with a smile.]

At this rate, you're going to charm my entire team! I can tell already, your own Pokemon are going to be well-loved.

[In other words, super spoiled. But at this rate, his own Pokemon are on that road too...

Ah, and then there's the more serious discussion...]

You...you did? Even so, that is extremely impressive! I would love to hear the tale of your findings sometime. Perhaps as we're catching up in the next few days.

[Maybe it'll be a more upbeat thing compared to what else they'll be discussing...hahaha.]

[...he's so good at this. like the pokemon whisperer except actually good instead of kind of horrible.]

I'm pretty excited about this, actually. I haven't really had the opportunity to have a pet... basically ever. I know it isn't really the same thing, but it's definitely nice to think about.

[...childhood was A Thing and adulthood was way too busy.]

Oh, of course. We're going to have plenty of time to talk about things, after all.

[He can also be the Pokemon whisperer who didn't get killed by Archer. ...rip N.]

I am happy to hear that! And as I've said in the past, you are more than able to keep your Pokemon as pets rather than battle. It is all a matter of preference.

That said, I am looking forward to your reaction to the starter Pokemon that I have chosen for you. It is quite cute, and of course, it is a Water-type.

[It's gonna be the cutest Poliwag ever because that is what Tarrlok deserves!!

He then falls silent for a moment, looking at Tarrlok thoughtfully. About that...]

I truly am looking forward to it- the return to Unova, that is. I realize there is still much to discuss, and that it will be an enormous adjustment for you, but I want to make sure you have some time of peace after...everything.

[The memories, especially, but also y'know, having died and been a ghost for nearly a month. A break could definitely help, before dealing with everything else.

Still, he does want to make sure, since it's a huge decision...]

You are absolutely sure this is what you want?

Well, it seems easier to pick up on what they're thinking than it would be with one of the animals back home, so I'd imagine I could figure out their interests and go from there.

...but really, I'm excited about all of this. And...

...

Yes, I'm positive. I didn't really have any attachments back home that I'd want to actually go back for. I'm sure I'd want to go back at some point, but... I don't think I would want to stay.

[...outside of, like, actual atonement type things...]

...You are going to be a wonderful Trainer, Tarrlok. I can tell already.

[Perhaps not in the strictly battling sense, but a wonderful Trainer all the same. Colress fully expects to see Tarrlok display a lot of the love for his future team that a certain teenager he knows does. He can't help but find it incredibly endearing, honestly...

He places a hand on Tarrlok's shoulder at this point, giving it a comforting squeeze. He knows why Tarrlok would say those things, but...]

I understand. I obviously don't have to tell you that I would be honored to have you with me in Unova, but when the time comes that you want to visit Republic City again, know that I will be by your side to assist you in any way that I can. [...] I realize that I wasn't so great at it in the past, but I do still want to look out for you.

[Atonement is good, and Colress wants to make sure Tarrlok's turns out okay.]

Heh, well, I'll do my best. I'm glad I'll have someone knowledgeable around to show me the ropes when it comes to the more, ah, unique aspects of them.

[HE CAN ALREADY TELL SHIT MIGHT BE MILDLY WEIRD...]

...no, you've been totally great about it. I mean, any time that I can think of where you haven't been there for me it's... not actually your fault.

Oh, of course. Under my guidance, you will be a true pro at Pokemon before you know it.

[Who would have thought that all the Pokemon lessons that he had planned for Tarrlok during the actual murdergame would come in handy now that they're actually going to get to go back to Unova? Professor Colress is Go, basically.

He nods at the second bit, rather solemnly so.]

I do realize that there really wasn't anything that I could do to assist in that situation, [it's probably really difficult to stop a person from dying a predetermined death from a magic book that barely anyone knew about] but we had just had that discussion a mere hours before, and...I suppose it all hit me in a strange way. ...I felt as though I had failed you regardless.

[He knows it's ridiculous, but that's how he felt for at least a week or two until the ghosts showed up.]

...well, I guess I can't really give you any flack for feeling responsible for things that aren't really your fault, but... honestly, I'm mostly glad you didn't get caught up in it, given what happened to Lynne.

[LYNNE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD ANY IDEA. AND YET. AND YET.]

[That gives him considerable pause.

Give him in a second to run his hands down his face.]

...Right.

[He hadn't forgotten about poor Lynne, but he didn't quite connect the dots that he very easily could've ended up in a similar situation if he was there when it happened or discovered Tarrlok too soon.

There isn't much more he can really say, is there? Just...]

I am sorry.

[That's. That's the main thing he's wanted to say since that day, really. And he's also sorry for bringing the conversation down this road yet again.]

...no, it's fine. I understand why you feel that way, but... I'm really glad nothing did happen to you from start to finish. I guess it wouldn't have been as bad in retrospect, considering we weren't really dead, but... at the time, I couldn't help worrying about it.

Even though death turned out to not be as permanent as we first believed, what we felt was real. There is no altering that.

[He intended to just state a fact, but once he actually says it, he stops to think about it. You know, as scientists tend to do. And the more he analyzes what he just said- what he felt...and how he felt (...was beginning to feel?) the week of Tarrlok's death and the weeks following, along with what he's feeling now, the more visibly stumped he looks.

He eventually realizes he's been quiet for way too long.]

I appreciate that- you thinking of me, that is. Perhaps that was what helped me make it through, in a way.

...of course.

[...that sure was a long pause... but you know, this is the sort of conversation where that's going to happen.]

It's... nice to have someone to keep you going. I always used to think it would just be a burden, but... it really isn't.

[There is going to be so much awkward pausing.]

...Likewise.

[He breathes a short sigh out his nose. Well...it's now or never, isn't it.]

While I was working on my project, which I believed I still was when I awoke in the simulation, I avoided forming personal attachment with others for the sake of my research. Drawing out the power of Pokemon...was it love and trust, or a purely scientific approach that would prove to be stronger over the other? My stance was to remain purely neutral on these approaches, so I kept my relationships professional with everyone, even with my Pokemon.

[...]

Obviously, that completely changed after living with you all for the last two months. I consider so many of you my friends now. However, I... [He frowns slightly, drawing a hand to his chin in thought.] Is it- is it strange to say that there is a slight difference when I think of you? I cannot begin to explain what that difference could be, but...it exists.

[...damn. damn.]

...well, I wasn't trying to be objective about things or anything. I was just afraid, for the most part.

[...he's still trying to figure things out himself, because is he, like... should he go this hard. is it actually what he's thinking or is he just feeling that way because it's been so long since he's trusted anyone that his feelings are on the fritz.

does he... deserve this.]

...

But I do have to say, I... definitely understand that. I don't think it's strange at all.

...Understandably so, from everything that you have told me.

While trust is an unknown factor, putting it in what you believe is the right place has a rather large impact, doesn't it?

[He had begun to remember that in his dreams, but he truly realized it in the library with Tarrlok that night.

...He also smiles here, a look of slight relief showing itself in his expression.]

Truly? It isn't strange? Well, that is reassuring. I would like to know what it means, at least. Perhaps some more observation is in order, then...

[...part of him thinks he already knows, but maybe his brain just hasn't completely caught up with it.]

I...apologize, for simply throwing that out there. It must seem awkward, in retrospect.

Edited (Sorry for the late edit!) 2016-05-12 05:26 (UTC)

Yes, it... certainly does. I mean, it's not exactly easy to do, and it can be incredibly confusing at times. So... I'm sure it's definitely complicated, and it's not really awkward at all.

[how does he deal with this. how. why. he doesn't know.]

[It's at this point that both of Colress' Pokemon are practically leaning in with anticipation. They briefly look at each other before staring at their Trainer intently.

Colress stares back...albeit a little nervously now.]

...What?

[They tilt their heads toward Tarrlok, like he isn't right there to see what they're doing or anything. They seem to have caught on to what's going on here, though.

Colress still seems a little confused and nervous, but...he was considering asking something anyway...]

But you are all right with it? ...Might I ask how you feel about me, then?

[He's. He's trying to be direct despite the confusion...]

[oh shit. they're. they're looking at him like.

......SHALALALALALA MY OH MY LOOKS LIKE THE BOY'S TOO SHY]

...ah, well... let me start out by saying I feel overwhelmingly positive, because that's... not the complicated part of it, but... it is complicated, because I'm not sure if it's... something I would really be considering if we hadn't gone through some difficult times and I didn't have emotional intimacy issues beforehand...

[He's almost entirely lost at first. Well, aside from Tarrlok feeling positive about him- he's glad to hear that. But he's not sure what else Tarrlok is referring to...?

And then his brain finally catches up. Things begin to click.

.......

Oh. This is the difference, isn't it.]

I- I see. I...actually hadn't realized that we were speaking about...

[He can't finish that. He looks like he wants to hide somewhere right about now, honestly.]

...But I completely understand. I cannot say it is something I have ever truly considered, myself. Un...til now, I suppose...

[He feels like his brain is overheating.]

[...the fact that Colress is cute as fuck is swaying things a bit tbh, but]

...I'm... not sure I'd say I'm in the same boat, but I'm definitely having difficulty with it. I really don't want to do something like telling you that I love you romantically today and then realize in a week or so that no, I need to tell you that I just consider you a very good friend and you're the first person I've trusted in ages so a few wires got crossed but I've sorted things out now.

[...Arceus, he said the word.]

No, I believe that is a very reasonable line of thought. Now that this has been addressed, a time of observation for the both of us seems beneficial. There is nothing worse than an answer that isn't definite.

[Colress is surprised he managed to get a coherent response together, but he really does mean what he said. He needs to deeply consider the use of that word, himself. Even hearing it used feels completely overwhelming- while he seemed calm in his response, his expression is one of mixed emotion.]

Perhaps once everything is said and done, once we have been able to step away from this place, a definite answer will present itself. But...indeed, no matter what, our friendship will remain. That is just as important.

...right. Right, of course. I'm sure we'll just... need a few weeks to get everything sorted out and for things to get back to normal.

[...]

...as normal as they can, anyway. But... yes, definitely. Even if that's not precisely the way I care about you, you're definitely extremely important to me.

[...How long is going to take for them to not fear Thursday nights, he wonders.

But back to the main point...]

Likewise, absolutely. And that is something I know will never change.

[He offers a slight smile as he straightens himself out a little bit.]

We can revisit this when the time is right. But for now...what do you say we visit with the others? We all have quite a bit of catching up to do, after all.

Oh, of course. Just because I wanted to see you most doesn't mean I don't want to see everyone else.

Take Initiative.

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