imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

Pretty much everything I do is selfish, dude. Just cuz it's not always mean doesn't mean it isn't self-serving or whatever.

Gimme an example.

Everything I do for you and Nem.

It makes me happy when you're happy. ... so. That's kind of selfish.

Dude. That so doesn't count.

[Pokes at her.]

[ and not even counting the bad stuff i've done and would do, like murder, maim, or otherwise hurt someone who looked at nemesis funny, or who cut you up again, or... ]

You've got way too much faith in me.

Someone's gotta make up for you not having enough.

[Leans against her, casual and easy.]

[ ...

leans back. ]

...you doing okay?

[ absolutely not. ]

Yeah, I'm good. ... were you gonna take any memories or should I go again?

...I can go, if you wanna take a break.

Only if you wanna, dude. I really don't mind.

Naw... we're trading off, right?

My turn.

... alright... if you're sure.

I'm sure.

[And he's digging his phone out to play a memory.]

[...he goes kind of still, somewhere in the middle of it.]

[ ... eugh

just stays quiet, giving him a moment once that's over, but still leaning warmly. ]

[...his eyes track somewhere to the side, along the line where the floor meets the wall, and stay there so they don't have to meet Requiem's eyes.]

... hey.

[ softly. ]

I get it.

...yeah.

[Leans back, just kind of. Quiet, and thoughtful, and pale.]

[After a beat or two, he sinks down a little, so he can rest his head on her shoulder.]

[ circles her arm around his back, rubbing his opposite arm.

she stays quiet for a bit longer before saying, ]

... obviously my dad was more of just... y'know, an idiot, instead of being...

...

She seemed miserable. I'm sorry.

...she was okay? She just - had stuff to do, is all.

We coulda been done if I kept it together better, so - makes sense she was pissed.

[ pulls away from him a bit. ]

Hey. Look at me.

[It takes him a second or two to listen. He still doesn't quite meet her eyes, even then.]

Yeah?

[ cups his cheeks in both hands ]

No matter what she was going through, it's not on you to take care of things. Okay?

... parents should put their own needs second, if their kids are suffering. Even if it's "just" being a little sick or something.

[ and that was more than "a little sick" ]

'S not like I didn't know what I was signing up for.

Sides, she's got more important stuff to worry about. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up, is all. And I kinda dropped the ball this time.

That's not really the point.

... my dad sucks, but it's not because he's overbearing or anything. It's cuz he didn't like-- prioritize me, y'know? Your mom's done the same junk, it looks like.

[ letting him go, crossing her arms with a frown. ]

There isn't anything more important than your own kids. There shouldn't be.