mykidisthebest

[ avoiding his eyes a little bit ]

I don't wish to cause more stress to people....

I know. You're a smart young lady who tries not to trouble the people around you. But I'm sure you also know that it's worse to keep things bottled up. If you talk about things in the moment, as they upset you, it's easier to work them out. That's not stressful. It's building good relationships.

... I know... you're right, Lethe-san. It's... just... difficult, for me to bring these things up, in general, but.... with my flock, there's always so much going on...

[ but she has always had trouble asserting herself ]

I think they'd listen if you spoke up. I know speaking up in the middle of a mess is intimidating...but you shouldn't just keep quiet. I don't know if I have a good solution, though.

No... I think you're right. The only way for them to know is for me to tell them... but, ah, I don't want them to feel guilty either. I just feel as though I don't fit in well.

That won't change if you don't do anything. There's a possibility that they'll feel guilty, sure, but they'll feel way worse if you don't speak up, right?

... Right.

You're always.... so decisive, Lethe-san. I envy you....

It comes from years of experience. You'll get there. I know that's not what anyone wants to hear, especially when you're old enough to have dealt with all kinds of nonsense, but it's true. I made every single mistake I could have possibly made and dealt with everything that came after that. So I have a better idea of what to do now.

No, it's.... alright. I understand what you mean. [ and he doesn't sound condescending when he says it, unlike so many grown ups she knows... ]

Is that where you confidence comes from?

I don't know if I'd call it confidence. But...it's a strong determination to not make the same mistakes over again. I know I have to try my hardest so I don't have regrets. Maybe that's all confidence is.

Hmmm.... well, in some cases it is. But I agree with you. I don't want to make the same mistakes over again... I don't want to have regrets....

It's easier said than done. I know that. All you have to do is try a little bit.

I will... I will try.

.... Lethe-san.... is it alright, if.... I ask your advice on something?

Hmm? Sure. What is it?

How do you stop pining for someone who doesn't return your feelings, and probably... won't ever return your feelings?

[ lethe definitely the best person to ask about this, amirite ]

[he at least has plenty of experience in being rejected]

Cry all night, drink until you're guaranteed to get a hangover, and then move on the next morning.

I don't know if I'd recommend that method, but I do know it works.

[ oh no letheeee ]

Ah.... I don't know if I want to drink that much....

... Are you certain it works? I... I'm not great at moving on quickly.

I think it only works if you were expecting to be rejected and if you can keep yourself busy for a few days after. ...Did you get rejected?

I'm sorry that happened to you, Lethe-san.

... Yes. And.... I think the person he likes is..... [ .... ] my father's killer.

[ congrats on this privileged info lethe you're the first one she has talked to about this ]

[what]

Please explain.

[ oh boy where does she start ]

It's.... a long story. But in short, there is a person on his flock who used to be our enemy. He was being manipulated by his own father, an extremely cruel and manipulative man, but he also... did try to kill myself and my friends, and and killed other people, including my father, under that man's orders. Used us and framed us for it, as well. After we defeated him, he ended up sacrificing himself against his father.... We're not sure if he survived.

He's not our enemy any longer, and I bear no ill will towards him. I have no issue working with him unless he does betray us again.

... But I can't deny... that it still hurts...

[that was more complicated than he expected; after a moment's hesitation he pulls her into a hug]

I'm sorry, Melody. Heartbreak is never easy.

[ this is the quick and dirty explanation.... but weh. leans into the hug ]

I don't think it's something I can just drink away...

I did say it wasn't recommended. You're a little young for that anyways. I don't think there's any advice to help your particular situation, since it's so...specific.

I just wish I could stop feeling this way.

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Re: a reasonable amount of time after the kiss game

Re: a reasonable amount of time after the kiss game

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Re: a reasonable amount of time after the kiss game

Re: a reasonable amount of time after the kiss game