["On purpose?" The question begs, almost slips unbidden, but even as soon as the possibly crosses his mind, Rei dismisses it almost immediately. There isn't any way.
Rei has known Rin as many things. Too ambitious for his own good. Incredibly driven, even sometimes to the point of self-annihilation. Egotistical and yet incredibly kind, often in the same intake of breath. He may not have the years of memories with Rin that his other friends do, stacked up and yellowing in a photo box tucked away neatly in some forgotten corner for occasional perusing on days where the light is soft and time seems to have all but stopped, but he's seen Rin as he is now, at both highs and lows. He's seen enough to know that this friendship means something, that his initial sacrifice for this boy he'd barely known meant something.
He may not be able to comprehend this sacrifice, violent in a way he's never seen, but he understands enough. He knows the answer to that question before his internal monologue even finishes the word.
Rei is quiet for a moment, possibly too long. The anger in his friend's voice, and his distant focus don't quite add up. It's not a challenge, though Rin seems to think it is. It's an invitation for guilt.
And that doesn't add up to "on purpose" either.]
Yes, I get it.
[Though perhaps not in the way he should. The statement is simple, but the tone is carefully taught, not a hint of anger in it. This blame isn't his to issue.]
I get that you're still too stubborn to ask for help when you need it!
[Okay, so his composure isn't rock solid. Especially not ever when the reality of the situation starts to settle back into his periphery.]
no subject
Rei has known Rin as many things. Too ambitious for his own good. Incredibly driven, even sometimes to the point of self-annihilation. Egotistical and yet incredibly kind, often in the same intake of breath. He may not have the years of memories with Rin that his other friends do, stacked up and yellowing in a photo box tucked away neatly in some forgotten corner for occasional perusing on days where the light is soft and time seems to have all but stopped, but he's seen Rin as he is now, at both highs and lows. He's seen enough to know that this friendship means something, that his initial sacrifice for this boy he'd barely known meant something.
He may not be able to comprehend this sacrifice, violent in a way he's never seen, but he understands enough. He knows the answer to that question before his internal monologue even finishes the word.
Rei is quiet for a moment, possibly too long. The anger in his friend's voice, and his distant focus don't quite add up. It's not a challenge, though Rin seems to think it is. It's an invitation for guilt.
And that doesn't add up to "on purpose" either.]
Yes, I get it.
[Though perhaps not in the way he should. The statement is simple, but the tone is carefully taught, not a hint of anger in it. This blame isn't his to issue.]
I get that you're still too stubborn to ask for help when you need it!
[Okay, so his composure isn't rock solid. Especially not
everwhen the reality of the situation starts to settle back into his periphery.]