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 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.

Haha, well, I don't want to hog all the reunion time. We will have plenty of time to see each other afterword.

[He goes ahead and corrals his still-excited Pokemon back into their Pokeballs for the time being, then shoves his hands into his pockets.]

Shall we meet back up around here once things begin to wind down? We ought to discuss preparations then.

Oh, of course. Granted... it really doesn't seem that big in here, so I'm sure if we see each other wherever, we can meet up then.

Whatever works, yes?

I suppose I'll see you in a bit, then! [...but before he goes,] I know we'll have more to say later, but...this was good. Thank you.

["Good". The ultimate understatement. But it is just so much to take in: all the revelations leading up to their escaping the simulation, the fact that everyone made it out alive, that they're heading to Unova after this, feelings... "Good" is simply the first thing that comes to mind, understatement aside.

Well, things will settle in good time. And they really do have plenty of it now.]

...yes, it was very good. Have a good time, alright?

[...but seriously, though. This is extremely good, everything's turning out well, he's not dead...

...

Does he deserve this...? Really? That's kind of a dark thought to leave off on, but it's a thought he can't help thinking.]

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