[She interrupts, and Alisaie drops her heels back to the ground, letting that create the space between them. But they're still close, and Alisaie's voice is quiet as she speaks.]
Now is not the time. Our situations are different, true, but full well do I recall how terrible I felt after... [She trails off.] I was terrified, but neither could I put it into words to explain. And it felt as though the rest of our number were unable to see what held me paralyzed, so I sought to pretend as though nothing were wrong.
But you need not face this alone. Whatever I can do to help, I pray you ask it of me--even if it's to stop talking and making things worse.
[This time, Alisaie's words don't scare her off. There is something there, a wall she's still putting up, but she doesn't behave as though she must reject them or run off. Feisty little hare Ryutaro is still settled comfortably.]
. . . That must have been terrifying. And I am sure you were quite frustrated with me, that I continually misjudged what you were saying, couldn't hear you.
You aren't making things worse. But I fear I am also . . . struggling, to find a way to voice my troubles. Even if it's not quite the same.
The last thing I want is for you to stop talking. It is only that I do not know how to respond.
[Honestly, that she doesn't flee again is the biggest relief.]
Then we will speak of other topics until you find the words you're searching for.
[Simple as that.]
It matters not if it takes five minutes or five weeks. You've become a good friend, and I wish to help you in any way I can.
If you find you cannot respond to something I say, you need only ask and we will change to a simpler subject. Should it be too difficult to say anything, you can tap my hand twice and I will know.
...And I was never frustrated with you. Only with that which silences my voice.
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[She interrupts, and Alisaie drops her heels back to the ground, letting that create the space between them. But they're still close, and Alisaie's voice is quiet as she speaks.]
Now is not the time. Our situations are different, true, but full well do I recall how terrible I felt after... [She trails off.] I was terrified, but neither could I put it into words to explain. And it felt as though the rest of our number were unable to see what held me paralyzed, so I sought to pretend as though nothing were wrong.
But you need not face this alone. Whatever I can do to help, I pray you ask it of me--even if it's to stop talking and making things worse.
no subject
. . . That must have been terrifying. And I am sure you were quite frustrated with me, that I continually misjudged what you were saying, couldn't hear you.
You aren't making things worse. But I fear I am also . . . struggling, to find a way to voice my troubles. Even if it's not quite the same.
The last thing I want is for you to stop talking. It is only that I do not know how to respond.
no subject
Then we will speak of other topics until you find the words you're searching for.
[Simple as that.]
It matters not if it takes five minutes or five weeks. You've become a good friend, and I wish to help you in any way I can.
If you find you cannot respond to something I say, you need only ask and we will change to a simpler subject. Should it be too difficult to say anything, you can tap my hand twice and I will know.
...And I was never frustrated with you. Only with that which silences my voice.
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I shall keep that in mind.
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And should the time come when I may kiss you again, I pray you'll let me know.
no subject