text; username: SHIKI

[satsujinki]

No one really tells you how scary it is to fish in the dark. Everyone else seems used to it, but the thought of falling in is crippling.

I guess it must sound more profound in my head when I'm worrying about dying alone near a dock, doing something new. Sorry.

[The little worries that pop into your head when you stare into an abyss.]

I guess tea would be able to improve the state of things just a little.

Comments

[satsujinki]

Anyone can betray you. Monsters aren't anything special in that sense.

[digophelia]

You're right, though when you said monsters, I couldn't help think of a few who supposedly meant well and cared for others. They were supposed to be pillars and leaders to their patients. In the end, they weren't. Maybe monsters aren't very scary when they're obvious. Still, it's unsettling to see those types walk amongst you and you'll never notice until it's to late. It's not necessarily betrayal, it's how they groom and mold.

[ Alice pauses and then adds moments later. ]

My apologies, I have the tendency to lose myself in my thoughts. It sounds like you're on your guard, however, that's good.

[satsujinki]

[Woah, that went to a much darker place, somehow.

Woah.]

Are you alright?

[It was literally the only response he had in him.]

[digophelia]

[ She knows. She'll likely be bitter about what happened to her and the orphans. Talking about monsters seemed to amplified that. ]

I'm fine, please don't worry.

[ Which seems like a meager request, considering her tangent. ]

[satsujinki]

If you say so.

I don't know you, so I won't pry.

[Which was, at best, an earnest attempt to show neutrality...]

[digophelia]

[ Which is what any rational person would do, but hearing it every so often is a nice thing. ]

No, take care of yourself, instead.

[satsujinki]

To be honest, I'm a little worried about you, but like I said: I won't pry.

Just try to look for help if you need it, alright?

[Sure, he could be mindful and leave a person to their problems, but at his core Shiki wasn't a complete knuckle-knob.]

[digophelia]

[ That's... certainly a switch and she doesn't know how to process that other than the usual. ]

I've managed fine so far, thank you. But, please, don't.

[satsujinki]

I'm sorry this conversation took such a turn.

I can't imagine a stranger is the kind of person you'd want to talk to about these things.

[digophelia]

You have nothing to apologize for, it's my fault.

[satsujinki]

No, I think the problem is that I can't stop talking on impulse, here.

[digophelia]

You're fine, I insist.

[satsujinki]

You shouldn't be so forgiving--it doesn't help situations like these deteriorate...

[digophelia]

I've been in much worse situations and this is hardly a case where someone bullied me into saying something like that. It was my fault, not yours.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

[satsujinki]

I feel like I should tell you to do the same.

It's important to try and treat yourself a bit better than that.

[digophelia]

I'll reluctantly agree, if only a little.

[ She's fully aware of being a hypocrite, here. ]

Still, I implore you not worry and just enjoy your fishing, yes?

[satsujinki]

It's a little too soon to assume I'm enjoying this.

I can't say I ever will, at this rate.

[digophelia]

Then, at the very least, don't stay out too late and have a good night?

[satsujinki]

Thank you. I hope you have a good night, as well.

Stay safe.