...Himeka works her way through to the crux of it - the true depths of that look that's been casting a shadow behind her eyes since she first broached the subject of her home life. the piece he had been missing slots into the puzzle; while it isn't whole, it is one step closer to being.
his expression slowly softens as he watches hers fall. she is taking this hard - has been taking this hard because the matter is so dear to her. her people... her duty... her honor as a woman and member of the community... her love for all of them is so very apparent to him as she speaks of this painful decision. it is one she regrets... perhaps not for the choice itself, but the manner in which it was made.
he takes a moment. it might be a bit disconcerting as she's surely waiting for his judgment one way or another, but Abel's gaze settles upon his hands clasped in his lap for several deep breaths. delicate and sensitive as this is, he doesn't plan to rush into his answer: no; it will be measured and purposeful.
so, his voice is even and gentle when he replies - but he doesn't offer her a placating reassurance this time. if he did, then... all he would be doing is disrespecting her decision to share something that was so personal, important to her with him. ]
You wish you could've done it differently. [ it is a verbal acknowledgment that he understands. ] And I can see why. The Himeka you are today would surely have made another choice, even not knowing what she knows now. Because she has that strength - the strength you lacked back then.
[ because a frightened young woman - still but a child in the grand scheme of things - burdened by the weight of a fate, a life of seclusion and separation... that person is much different than the one that sits beside him, isn't it? Himeka has come such a long way. ]
...I know you have the courage to protect them in a way only you can. In a way that is more meaningful than you know, I think. And I don't think you'd have the same conviction if you hadn't been that girl who ran away. Do you think that's right, Himeka?
[ he can see it - the growth, that she had learned from her mistakes. so-- ]
The first step in your journey was a clumsy one and you may have taken a tumble - but you haven't let it stop you from learning how to run since. Falling on your butt is a part of life, right? ...You've come so far. They surely don't blame you half as much as you blame yourself.
hime....... 🥺
...Himeka works her way through to the crux of it - the true depths of that look that's been casting a shadow behind her eyes since she first broached the subject of her home life. the piece he had been missing slots into the puzzle; while it isn't whole, it is one step closer to being.
his expression slowly softens as he watches hers fall. she is taking this hard - has been taking this hard because the matter is so dear to her. her people... her duty... her honor as a woman and member of the community... her love for all of them is so very apparent to him as she speaks of this painful decision. it is one she regrets... perhaps not for the choice itself, but the manner in which it was made.
he takes a moment. it might be a bit disconcerting as she's surely waiting for his judgment one way or another, but Abel's gaze settles upon his hands clasped in his lap for several deep breaths. delicate and sensitive as this is, he doesn't plan to rush into his answer: no; it will be measured and purposeful.
so, his voice is even and gentle when he replies - but he doesn't offer her a placating reassurance this time. if he did, then... all he would be doing is disrespecting her decision to share something that was so personal, important to her with him. ]
You wish you could've done it differently. [ it is a verbal acknowledgment that he understands. ] And I can see why. The Himeka you are today would surely have made another choice, even not knowing what she knows now. Because she has that strength - the strength you lacked back then.
[ because a frightened young woman - still but a child in the grand scheme of things - burdened by the weight of a fate, a life of seclusion and separation... that person is much different than the one that sits beside him, isn't it? Himeka has come such a long way. ]
...I know you have the courage to protect them in a way only you can. In a way that is more meaningful than you know, I think. And I don't think you'd have the same conviction if you hadn't been that girl who ran away. Do you think that's right, Himeka?
[ he can see it - the growth, that she had learned from her mistakes. so-- ]
The first step in your journey was a clumsy one and you may have taken a tumble - but you haven't let it stop you from learning how to run since. Falling on your butt is a part of life, right? ...You've come so far. They surely don't blame you half as much as you blame yourself.