05: † text

[salvagedsoul]

Hello, everyone.

I have been in United Earth territory since June. I was released last week. Although I have been inspected and declared safe by the Initiative, I feel that it is my obligation to notify you all of what happened.

I am very eager to see some of you again. I am staying in my assigned housing at 502 while I continue to recover. Please come by at your convenience.


((feel free to use this post for both network conversations and action!))

Comments

[firstroar]

[he is angry for him – angry with him – for all these offenses. truly individual though he is, Kaworu is another lost and tormented child stripped of dignity and strength, yet another one Blue's encountered over the span of his life.

it's infuriating, still, to have had no chance to intervene. but this feeling is his own, for himself, and locked away in the face of Kaworu's torment.

change is always something one is naturally resistant to, particularly when it comes to compromise a strength or confidence one so relies on...and Kaworu's self is redefined in his suffering, as all are redefined in their own. it's not something to wash away or pretend to ignore, lest that pain make it impossible to move forward. it takes a lot of strength.]

It's strength to endure, Kaworu. But I know... [his eyes open, ignorant of free-falling tears.]

It's bitterly unsatisfying.

[salvagedsoul]

[Accepting this impossible form of comfort is an easy way out. I don't want your sympathy, is what he feels like saying. It certainly isn't going to help Kaworu figure himself out in the long run. But for now, it feels good to have his wounded heart nourished again. Blue's calming patience, his sympathy, his stable mind, flowing into him, is what keeps such bitter thoughts from manifesting into a genuine desire.

Kaworu pushes past the hand on his cheek to bury his face against Blue's shoulder. He smells faintly like the medical ward.]

How am I different now? [he asks after a period of silence.] What is the difference between me and a Lilim, now?

[firstroar]

[that hand settles against Kaworu's hair, a consistent, but not terribly firm presence.]

Much...but not as much as you believed.