[He's quiet for a moment before he responds; now that it's out there, he's not certain that he really wants an answer to what he's going to ask. But again, it's better to know, he imagines.]
With regards to the physical changes we experience, I know some of them can be more severe than others. I've accepted that another one is likely to happen to me; it isn't going to stop with hair color, and I won't have a say in when it occurs.
I suppose my question is whether things like that tend to happen in the middle of the night like the first one did. I...
[He hesitates; his gaze darts for a moment, obviously uncomfortable, before he pushes ahead anyway.]
It isn't anything life-threatening or painful. It's just something that I would prefer to have happen while I'm asleep.
[His tone is slightly forced; the sort of thing that implies he's at least trying to be brave about it.]
It's something I'm going to need to learn to live with. There's no point in making anyone worry over me. Everyone has their own problems, most more severe than my own.
That doesn't mean that you should act like your problems aren't important.
I used to believe the same thing - my memories weren't as bad as those of the people around me, my physical changes weren't as terrible, things like that. I thought it was important to support them and to keep my own worries to myself, because they weren't as bad. But it really didn't work, and it took quite some time, but eventually they helped me realize that doing that was only causing me even more pain.
It's not fair to do something like that to yourself, and I'm sure those closest to you will be more than happy to help, if you'll let them.
I'm not close to anyone. I live alone; I devote all my time to studies and work. I help people, but I'm not friends with any of them.
I can't protect or save anyone, and I'm not useful to anyone in this situation except for the support that I can provide. If I can't even offer that, then I have nothing, and I refuse to be worthless like that.
I'll be fine.
[There's nothing angry or upset about it; it's all just statements, really, albeit kind of firm ones.]
I'm sure the support you provide others is incredibly important to them. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them already consider you a friend.
That's how I ended up dating my husband, actually. We weren't really close until Retrospec happened and we helped one another out. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't had his help.
I'm do think you'll be fine, regardless of what happens. But I also think it wouldn't hurt for you to lean on people a bit, especially since you are so dedicated to helping others.
Its good that something like that worked out for you, and that he was there to help you. But I'm not going to make anyone go out of their way for me. Being able to help them is enough for me.
It's a bit hard not to be after hearing something like that...
[Arthur..........]
Well, I do think it's something you should consider, especially if there is a regain you're worried about. If you don't feel like you can turn to anyone else, you can always call me. I'm rather fond of helping people too, after all.
Again, it's nothing life-threatening, and just something I'll have to learn to live with. I'm...concerned about how it will impact my life, but I should be all right eventually.
...I sustained an injury. In a fight against some of those demons I mentioned. I believe the damage done was permanent; I wasn't in pain, but my right side was partially paralyzed and I couldn't use my right arm anymore.
I can imagine it'll be difficult to get used to something like that... I'm sure you will, of course! I am sorry that's something you'll have to deal with, however.
I adapted well enough back then, I assume. I didn't have much difficulty fighting or using a sword with my left hand after a while, and I didn't seem bothered by the lack of function. I kept it covered by outer layers of clothing, so it's possible I didn't care for the appearance of it, but that's about all the trouble it seemed to give me.
Oh no, don't worry about that! It's been no trouble at all. I've found that it does help to talk about these things, so I don't mind it at all!
[Plus, he is trying to get better about being honest about his past life. It's not like this is the difficult part, but every little bit helps, probably.]
It would, yes. I suppose it's a bit of an odd sentiment, but I am glad you have someone from your world here. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to about your memories like that!
Well, I can see where some people might never want to inflict this sort of situation on someone they knew in their past life. Though that's a bit different, since you knew him before!
I'm very glad to hear it. It's important to keep that distinction. It can be hard to remember it sometimes, especially when your memories are really bad, but it's very important.
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And of course it is. What are you curious about?
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With regards to the physical changes we experience, I know some of them can be more severe than others. I've accepted that another one is likely to happen to me; it isn't going to stop with hair color, and I won't have a say in when it occurs.
I suppose my question is whether things like that tend to happen in the middle of the night like the first one did. I...
[He hesitates; his gaze darts for a moment, obviously uncomfortable, before he pushes ahead anyway.]
It isn't anything life-threatening or painful. It's just something that I would prefer to have happen while I'm asleep.
[His tone is slightly forced; the sort of thing that implies he's at least trying to be brave about it.]
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From my experience, yes, it always happens in the middle of the night. I've received a few physical changes like that.
[...]
I understand if you don't wish to talk about it, but if it's something you'll need assistance with, is there anyone you can call should it happen?
[...hopefully it's something where you can call someone??? Or text them or something??]
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[That much is immediate.]
It's something I'm going to need to learn to live with. There's no point in making anyone worry over me. Everyone has their own problems, most more severe than my own.
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That doesn't mean that you should act like your problems aren't important.
I used to believe the same thing - my memories weren't as bad as those of the people around me, my physical changes weren't as terrible, things like that. I thought it was important to support them and to keep my own worries to myself, because they weren't as bad. But it really didn't work, and it took quite some time, but eventually they helped me realize that doing that was only causing me even more pain.
It's not fair to do something like that to yourself, and I'm sure those closest to you will be more than happy to help, if you'll let them.
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I can't protect or save anyone, and I'm not useful to anyone in this situation except for the support that I can provide. If I can't even offer that, then I have nothing, and I refuse to be worthless like that.
I'll be fine.
[There's nothing angry or upset about it; it's all just statements, really, albeit kind of firm ones.]
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I'm sure the support you provide others is incredibly important to them. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them already consider you a friend.
That's how I ended up dating my husband, actually. We weren't really close until Retrospec happened and we helped one another out. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't had his help.
I'm do think you'll be fine, regardless of what happens. But I also think it wouldn't hurt for you to lean on people a bit, especially since you are so dedicated to helping others.
[aka "please make friends"]
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You don't have to be concerned about me, either.
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[Arthur..........]
Well, I do think it's something you should consider, especially if there is a regain you're worried about. If you don't feel like you can turn to anyone else, you can always call me. I'm rather fond of helping people too, after all.
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I do appreciate the offer, though.
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[There's no arguing this with you, so he'll just let it go.]
I do hope it'll be something you can get used to fairly quickly.
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...I sustained an injury. In a fight against some of those demons I mentioned. I believe the damage done was permanent; I wasn't in pain, but my right side was partially paralyzed and I couldn't use my right arm anymore.
It's alarming, but liveable.
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[...you're totally right-handed, aren't you...]
I can imagine it'll be difficult to get used to something like that... I'm sure you will, of course! I am sorry that's something you'll have to deal with, however.
[and he thought the blastia was bad...]
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[Here's hoping...]
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[...]
I'm sorry for troubling you with all of this. I'm glad that you were willing to meet with me, however.
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[Plus, he is trying to get better about being honest about his past life. It's not like this is the difficult part, but every little bit helps, probably.]
Thank you for coming out to meet me!
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[...]
I used to go to high school with someone on the network. He's from the same world I am; we discuss memories sometimes.
Will it worry you slightly less if I tell you I'll call him if something happens?
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It would, yes. I suppose it's a bit of an odd sentiment, but I am glad you have someone from your world here. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to about your memories like that!
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[That is important, okay.]
Neither of us were good people in our past lives, but he's a good person now.
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It's good you two have each other!
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