aiwillneversmile | dup inbox/conts

You have no control over it. And who says Ruby won't vanish before you?

[He doesn't want that to happen, but it's also not impossible.]

Why are you trying to scare me? I said I was going to be careful.

I'm not trying to scare you, Aqua.

I have a submissive friend who was contracted to a woman from his world permanently for four years and she just left. Just like that. Gone.

You don't get to choose.

None of us are that special. It's not his fault she's gone, and it won't be your fault if Ruby leaves. It won't be her fault if you leave. But you have to do things for your sake as well. In the end the only person you have any control over is yourself.

I've been an actor since I was four, Gokudera. I know how to present and sell myself. I didn't pretend with you, since you seemed like you would understand. That was my mistake.

I don't think presenting or selling yourself will be a challenge. You have it easy without any number of years of acting under your belt. You're a submissive, and you don't even have to work.

The only thing that matters here for someone of your designation is looking pretty. No acting required.

You think it's a mistake to be honest with me? Why? Because I'm telling you how this world works and you don't like it? None of us like it, but we have to work together.

[Aqua is searching Hayato, clearly confused.]

I am going to be nice to you. I learned my lesson. What more do you want from me?

[Hayato looks back at him, his lips in a slight pout. He's feeling conflicted about all that he's said. It's the truth, but maybe he's being too harsh.]

I don't need you to be nice to me. I need you to look out for yourself.

For your sister's sake, but also for your own. Because none of us know how much time we have here. You've got to make every moment count.

I'm sorry for bothering you. And... getting upset... and making it your sister's problem, and yours by extension.

[Aqua is still unsettled.]

It was my problem for causing all of this... Just be nice to Ruby. Be gentle. She's lost a lot of people, so she gets scared when it seems like someone's going to leave her behind.

She's not alone. Most of us have lost people. Everyone who shows up vanishes, and it makes it very difficult to form new connections. To find support.

I understand. I'll be nicer to her.

I'm not proud of the fact that I withdrew from her, but I'd rather give her space than let my hurt feelings get the better of me and attack someone for caring when I never got that...

You're lucky to have family who cares. Who's here. She ought to be cherished...

Do you know that your nonchalance, that stone-faced attitude you have makes it seem like you don't care about anyone? Acting or not, you're aware how others may interpret it, right? That it may make things more difficult for you going forward?

[Aqua still tries to read Hayato for a beat before smoothing out his expression.]

Like how we're never going to get along? I do. I'm aware of what I'm doing. I make mistakes sometimes, but it does work out more often than not.

[Hayato's not holding back. He does blink in a small bit of surprise to hear that Aqua thinks they're never going to get along, but... if that makes him happier, then so be it. He looks disappointed, sighs, then nods. Oh well.]

You don't want to get along. I understand.

I'm sorry I was so eager to help you.

[Aqua raises an eyebrow.]

It's not that I don't want to get along. I would like to, but I know we aren't going to.

[Gokudera blinks, stunned, then frowns, chews the inside of his lip, and hums in thought.]

We could. Look, it's the first time we've ever spoken face to face. If you would like to get along, we can, but I don't think either of us is ready to do so very quickly, or without putting in the effort.

So I won't push you. I'll leave the ball in your court. You make the next move. I accept your apology, and I appreciate that you look out for your family. That you made the effort to come see me here today.

I respect you, and I'm sorry if I've upset you at all. That was not my intention.

[He weighs his words more than before, but eventually:]

Talk to me if you have a problem with me, not Ruby. And don't ever talk to her about me leaving.

... And thank you.

...

[He was hoping to get some insight from Ruby, but was too emotional about it. Aqua is right, though. Hayato nods. This is one of those instances where being direct would have been the wisest move. He's caused a lot of trouble.]

Yeah, that's probably for the best.

[As much as he would rather get away from this conversation, he will try to spare Ruby a little.]

... You know, right? That our mother was murdered?

[Ruby has told him about how they lost their mother. Hayato has no idea why Aqua is bringing that up, though.]

Yes.

[Neither of them know his mother died while he was young, that having him ruined her bright musical future. He doesn't share that, though. It's irrelevant.]

Okay...

[And that's as much as he's going to offer for now. He pauses for a beat before sighing.]

I'll see you around, Gokudera.

[Hayato's confused by that question, but does little more than frown.]

Yeah. Until then.

Mm.

[He does check in with Ruby before he takes off.]

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