Always here to help~ @listening-from-the-inside - Tumblr Blog

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Heh… I mean, what if someone in Niigo was only pretending to be human? Then it’s possible you are doing the same, unknowingly… I don’t know, it’s possible. If someone else was a monster, I wouldn’t care though.

I have a feeling that I would know if I was a monster, Mizu~

Iiiii dunno about that.

Think about it. You don’t know why you can’t see your reflection. You don’t know why you get, what I can only call, “vampiric urges”. And if you don’t know stuff about others, why wouldn’t that apply to yourself too?

I- uhm...

... Huh.

Yeah…

So really, what do you think?

... No idea.

Heh… fair enough.

Pause.

If anyone in Niigo was a monster… how would you feel? I already said my opinion.

I wouldn't mind it at all~! I'd honestly be kinda happy, I need someone to figure out what's going on around here~

…

If I don’t tell anyone, keep it bottled up… one day, I’ll screw up. Luka… I can trust her.

So you accept me~?

Ah? Accept... You? Oh- ohhhh~ do tell, do tell~

What if I was to tell you I’m a vampire myself? Would make my whole aesthetic a whole less impressive heh-

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

Ohhhhh~ it would make your aesthetic make much more sense, that is~ that's genuinely so cool~~!

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Heh… I mean, what if someone in Niigo was only pretending to be human? Then it’s possible you are doing the same, unknowingly… I don’t know, it’s possible. If someone else was a monster, I wouldn’t care though.

I have a feeling that I would know if I was a monster, Mizu~

Iiiii dunno about that.

Think about it. You don’t know why you can’t see your reflection. You don’t know why you get, what I can only call, “vampiric urges”. And if you don’t know stuff about others, why wouldn’t that apply to yourself too?

I- uhm...

... Huh.

Yeah…

So really, what do you think?

... No idea.

Heh… fair enough.

Pause.

If anyone in Niigo was a monster… how would you feel? I already said my opinion.

I wouldn't mind it at all~! I'd honestly be kinda happy, I need someone to figure out what's going on around here~

…

If I don’t tell anyone, keep it bottled up… one day, I’ll screw up. Luka… I can trust her.

So you accept me~?

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

Ah? Accept... You? Oh- ohhhh~ do tell, do tell~

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Heh… I mean, what if someone in Niigo was only pretending to be human? Then it’s possible you are doing the same, unknowingly… I don’t know, it’s possible. If someone else was a monster, I wouldn’t care though.

I have a feeling that I would know if I was a monster, Mizu~

Iiiii dunno about that.

Think about it. You don’t know why you can’t see your reflection. You don’t know why you get, what I can only call, “vampiric urges”. And if you don’t know stuff about others, why wouldn’t that apply to yourself too?

I- uhm...

... Huh.

Yeah…

So really, what do you think?

... No idea.

Heh… fair enough.

Pause.

If anyone in Niigo was a monster… how would you feel? I already said my opinion.

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

I wouldn't mind it at all~! I'd honestly be kinda happy, I need someone to figure out what's going on around here~

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Heh… I mean, what if someone in Niigo was only pretending to be human? Then it’s possible you are doing the same, unknowingly… I don’t know, it’s possible. If someone else was a monster, I wouldn’t care though.

I have a feeling that I would know if I was a monster, Mizu~

Iiiii dunno about that.

Think about it. You don’t know why you can’t see your reflection. You don’t know why you get, what I can only call, “vampiric urges”. And if you don’t know stuff about others, why wouldn’t that apply to yourself too?

I- uhm...

... Huh.

Yeah…

So really, what do you think?

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

... No idea.

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Heh… I mean, what if someone in Niigo was only pretending to be human? Then it’s possible you are doing the same, unknowingly… I don’t know, it’s possible. If someone else was a monster, I wouldn’t care though.

I have a feeling that I would know if I was a monster, Mizu~

Iiiii dunno about that.

Think about it. You don’t know why you can’t see your reflection. You don’t know why you get, what I can only call, “vampiric urges”. And if you don’t know stuff about others, why wouldn’t that apply to yourself too?

#behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness #kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora

I- uhm...

... Huh.

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Heh… I mean, what if someone in Niigo was only pretending to be human? Then it’s possible you are doing the same, unknowingly… I don’t know, it’s possible. If someone else was a monster, I wouldn’t care though.

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

I have a feeling that I would know if I was a monster, Mizu~

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

She tilts her head.

Huh? What’s with that reaction??

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just- me?! A vampire?! Ahahahaha~

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

There’s a real possibility… well, when you came to this world, how do you know you were made human?

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door #even if it's your happiness

Luka places a hand on her mouth...

Just for long enough for Mizuki to realize that she's trying not to laugh before she cracks up.

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.

( . . . it's so tired... emotionally. eyes once more move to stare off into the distance. )

... If only to help him.

... Would a hug help, even if just a bit...?

i can't stop you...

You can if you don't want to...

what i want would just hurt everyone.

... Well then, what is it that you want...?

to disappear like i never existed to begin with...

A long silence, and then a slight sigh coming from Luka.

... I get it, I won't lie. I really do. I've hurt so many people that I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like it'd be better to just stop.

... But I do think that staying is worth it. For the few people that care about you. You can expand that circle further, too. And who knows... Maybe you'll meet some old friends along the way, wishing to reconcile.

... A short silence.

Ah, god, damn it, I'm not good at this sentimental bullshit...

mm...

Point is, people still care about you, and even if it seems hopeless right now... It will get better. I can promise you that.

and i'm supposed to take the advice of someone who won't listen to that themselves?

( a sharp tone. it's eyes very weakly glaring without the head shifting at all. it doesn't want advice about how to handle things, it doesn't want to be sympathised with to get an opinion. and based on the conversation, it can infer luka is trying to speak from experience. )

isn't that a laugh.

Yes, you should. I'm way too far gone for that advice to work, but... You still have your chance. She could never hate you.

... They do hate me. I have nothing to do about it.

if i can't know that she doesn't hate me, how the hell do you know they hate you?

( the dragon's head whipped around, a growl falling out of its muzzle. )

news flash, not everyone can be as sure and confident about that sort of thing. everyone keeps saying she doesn't hate me but i don't fucking know that!

( the growl became smoggy. )

you don't even know nene, so how the hell would you even be able to talk about her? about me? you don't know us, you don't get to talk like you do!

maybe start using your brain before you talk. could help you fucking understand to stay out of business that you have no reason to get into. now leave me the fuck alone.

( it snarled, moving to the far end of the room and curling up on the hardwood floor. the air behind and around it static filled and shocking. it really didn't mean to be mean, to snap and lash out. it was just in pain. both mentally and physically. and it already felt bad for doing so. but it didn't apologise or turn to face luka at all, standing on its ground of trying to avoid help. )

... I'm sorry. All I wanted was to try and help.

i said leave me alone.

( another snarl, this time the air of the room filling with static. )

... Alright.

... I still will be here in you'd need me. As long as you'd need help, I'll be here.

( it curled up, laying its tail over its muzzle. )

She goes to the door, throwing a concerned look at him before leaving.

Mizuki peeks her head into the room.

Luka..?

~ @embroidered-fun

Luka seems to be... Restraining herself.

Yeah...?~ what's up, girl...?~

She hesitates.

So… mirror still doesn’t work?

Never did, doesn't seem like it will...~

She fiddles a little with her hair.

This is… guh, I need to be straightforward here. You know what a vampire is, yeah?

She sits down next to where Luka is.

#kimi no yoru wo kure #kanadetomosusora #behind the hidden door

Obviously...~ How can one not in this world...?

... Still trying to keep up the silly act even when it's very clear she's holding herself back.

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.

( . . . it's so tired... emotionally. eyes once more move to stare off into the distance. )

... If only to help him.

... Would a hug help, even if just a bit...?

i can't stop you...

You can if you don't want to...

what i want would just hurt everyone.

... Well then, what is it that you want...?

to disappear like i never existed to begin with...

A long silence, and then a slight sigh coming from Luka.

... I get it, I won't lie. I really do. I've hurt so many people that I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like it'd be better to just stop.

... But I do think that staying is worth it. For the few people that care about you. You can expand that circle further, too. And who knows... Maybe you'll meet some old friends along the way, wishing to reconcile.

... A short silence.

Ah, god, damn it, I'm not good at this sentimental bullshit...

mm...

Point is, people still care about you, and even if it seems hopeless right now... It will get better. I can promise you that.

and i'm supposed to take the advice of someone who won't listen to that themselves?

( a sharp tone. it's eyes very weakly glaring without the head shifting at all. it doesn't want advice about how to handle things, it doesn't want to be sympathised with to get an opinion. and based on the conversation, it can infer luka is trying to speak from experience. )

isn't that a laugh.

Yes, you should. I'm way too far gone for that advice to work, but... You still have your chance. She could never hate you.

... They do hate me. I have nothing to do about it.

if i can't know that she doesn't hate me, how the hell do you know they hate you?

( the dragon's head whipped around, a growl falling out of its muzzle. )

news flash, not everyone can be as sure and confident about that sort of thing. everyone keeps saying she doesn't hate me but i don't fucking know that!

( the growl became smoggy. )

you don't even know nene, so how the hell would you even be able to talk about her? about me? you don't know us, you don't get to talk like you do!

maybe start using your brain before you talk. could help you fucking understand to stay out of business that you have no reason to get into. now leave me the fuck alone.

( it snarled, moving to the far end of the room and curling up on the hardwood floor. the air behind and around it static filled and shocking. it really didn't mean to be mean, to snap and lash out. it was just in pain. both mentally and physically. and it already felt bad for doing so. but it didn't apologise or turn to face luka at all, standing on its ground of trying to avoid help. )

... I'm sorry. All I wanted was to try and help.

i said leave me alone.

( another snarl, this time the air of the room filling with static. )

... Alright.

... I still will be here in you'd need me. As long as you'd need help, I'll be here.

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.

( . . . it's so tired... emotionally. eyes once more move to stare off into the distance. )

... If only to help him.

... Would a hug help, even if just a bit...?

i can't stop you...

You can if you don't want to...

what i want would just hurt everyone.

... Well then, what is it that you want...?

to disappear like i never existed to begin with...

A long silence, and then a slight sigh coming from Luka.

... I get it, I won't lie. I really do. I've hurt so many people that I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like it'd be better to just stop.

... But I do think that staying is worth it. For the few people that care about you. You can expand that circle further, too. And who knows... Maybe you'll meet some old friends along the way, wishing to reconcile.

... A short silence.

Ah, god, damn it, I'm not good at this sentimental bullshit...

mm...

Point is, people still care about you, and even if it seems hopeless right now... It will get better. I can promise you that.

and i'm supposed to take the advice of someone who won't listen to that themselves?

( a sharp tone. it's eyes very weakly glaring without the head shifting at all. it doesn't want advice about how to handle things, it doesn't want to be sympathised with to get an opinion. and based on the conversation, it can infer luka is trying to speak from experience. )

isn't that a laugh.

Yes, you should. I'm way too far gone for that advice to work, but... You still have your chance. She could never hate you.

... They do hate me. I have nothing to do about it.

if i can't know that she doesn't hate me, how the hell do you know they hate you?

( the dragon's head whipped around, a growl falling out of its muzzle. )

news flash, not everyone can be as sure and confident about that sort of thing. everyone keeps saying she doesn't hate me but i don't fucking know that!

( the growl became smoggy. )

you don't even know nene, so how the hell would you even be able to talk about her? about me? you don't know us, you don't get to talk like you do!

maybe start using your brain before you talk. could help you fucking understand to stay out of business that you have no reason to get into. now leave me the fuck alone.

( it snarled, moving to the far end of the room and curling up on the hardwood floor. the air behind and around it static filled and shocking. it really didn't mean to be mean, to snap and lash out. it was just in pain. both mentally and physically. and it already felt bad for doing so. but it didn't apologise or turn to face luka at all, standing on its ground of trying to avoid help. )

... I'm sorry. All I wanted was to try and help.

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.

( . . . it's so tired... emotionally. eyes once more move to stare off into the distance. )

... If only to help him.

... Would a hug help, even if just a bit...?

i can't stop you...

You can if you don't want to...

what i want would just hurt everyone.

... Well then, what is it that you want...?

to disappear like i never existed to begin with...

A long silence, and then a slight sigh coming from Luka.

... I get it, I won't lie. I really do. I've hurt so many people that I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like it'd be better to just stop.

... But I do think that staying is worth it. For the few people that care about you. You can expand that circle further, too. And who knows... Maybe you'll meet some old friends along the way, wishing to reconcile.

... A short silence.

Ah, god, damn it, I'm not good at this sentimental bullshit...

mm...

Point is, people still care about you, and even if it seems hopeless right now... It will get better. I can promise you that.

and i'm supposed to take the advice of someone who won't listen to that themselves?

( a sharp tone. it's eyes very weakly glaring without the head shifting at all. it doesn't want advice about how to handle things, it doesn't want to be sympathised with to get an opinion. and based on the conversation, it can infer luka is trying to speak from experience. )

isn't that a laugh.

Yes, you should. I'm way too far gone for that advice to work, but... You still have your chance. She could never hate you.

... They do hate me. I have nothing to do about it.

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.

( . . . it's so tired... emotionally. eyes once more move to stare off into the distance. )

... If only to help him.

... Would a hug help, even if just a bit...?

i can't stop you...

You can if you don't want to...

what i want would just hurt everyone.

... Well then, what is it that you want...?

to disappear like i never existed to begin with...

A long silence, and then a slight sigh coming from Luka.

... I get it, I won't lie. I really do. I've hurt so many people that I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like it'd be better to just stop.

... But I do think that staying is worth it. For the few people that care about you. You can expand that circle further, too. And who knows... Maybe you'll meet some old friends along the way, wishing to reconcile.

... A short silence.

Ah, god, damn it, I'm not good at this sentimental bullshit...

mm...

Point is, people still care about you, and even if it seems hopeless right now... It will get better. I can promise you that.

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.

( . . . it's so tired... emotionally. eyes once more move to stare off into the distance. )

... If only to help him.

... Would a hug help, even if just a bit...?

i can't stop you...

You can if you don't want to...

what i want would just hurt everyone.

... Well then, what is it that you want...?

to disappear like i never existed to begin with...

A long silence, and then a slight sigh coming from Luka.

... I get it, I won't lie. I really do. I've hurt so many people that I'll never see again. Sometimes it feels like it'd be better to just stop.

... But I do think that staying is worth it. For the few people that care about you. You can expand that circle further, too. And who knows... Maybe you'll meet some old friends along the way, wishing to reconcile.

... A short silence.

Ah, god, damn it, I'm not good at this sentimental bullshit...

The pink-haired woman is peeking from under the doorframe, and yet, seeing Rui sad, she immediately tries to comfort him.

... Rui-san? Are you... Doing alright?

@listening-from-the-inside

( it's once more sitting in a nest of blankets in dragon form, though its far... smaller than what a dragon probably should be. about the size or a german shepherd. golden eyes flick up to the source of the voice, before its whole head shifts to look away. )

. . . luka-san.

. . .

i'm. . .

no. . .

She falls into her heels, and immediately goes up against it.

... Would you want to talk about it? I'm... I'm here to listen.

( it's... far more than quiet than the last time she met with it. barely responsive. )

. . . mm . . .

R- Rui-san? What happened? I- I'm... Worried for you...

nene knows i'm a dragon now. mizuki says she's worried and doesn't hate me but...

( a half-sigh. )

maybe i should just turn myself into the hunter guild...

NO.

... Very strict.

Turning yourself into the hunter guild is basically just throwing your entire life away. I don't know a lot about Kusanagi-san, but from what I've heard about her, she could literally never hate you. you're one of the things that mean the most to her.

... I promise, it will turn out alright.

. . .

( no reply. almost like its ignoring what was said. )

... Listen, I know this may all seem like bullshit through and through, but... I've heard of how much she cares.

... You don't have to answer if you wouldn't like to, but just... Please try to realize that she cares for you.

( . . . its eyes shift again to glance at luka. )

Luka tilts her head curiously, in a friendly manner.