onerous | IC Inbox

[Not in reality? Her first thought is ViViD, and then maybe a dream. A nightmare? Her brow furrows in concern.

She wants to point out she'll be more annoyed if he doesn't tell her, but instead closes her eyes, counts to 5, and speaks again.] Lee-san, it's alright. I'm not mad or anything, just confused. If you're reassured now, then it's fine, I don't mind the call; really, you can call any time.

[She'd rather he call and wake her up and be relieved rather than sit up all night worrying or something.]

But you at least should tell me why. Maybe I can help?

[Her patience touches him and soothes him in some way, although he still feels guilt weighing on him for the trouble he has been putting her through.]

Ah... [His utterance hangs in the air for a moment before he speaks.] Y-yes. I will tell you. I... I am very sorry.

[He takes a deep breath before he goes on.]

I had a nightmare. But... it felt so vivid, so real. [He runs a head anxiously through his sweat-soaked hair.] I... I suppose that it is because... It was much like that memory I saw. E-except that... it was even more unsettling.

[His grip on the CereVICE grows increasingly shakey, as does his voice.]

Yuri-san, I... I dreamed that you had lost yourself!!

Oh. [The second her uttered the words, 'much like the memory I saw,' her stomach had dropped with an unfortunate feeling of knowing exactly where this might be headed.

And she's horribly right, twisting the fingers of her free hand into her sheets as the guilt settles on her. She doesn't know what to say for a long moment-- she doesn't want to say, 'I don't want to die anymore, it's fine,' because she knows deep down it's not totally true. There were good days and bad days, but she was coping and holding on. There were things she had to accomplish first and promises she had made. Hold on, just a little while longer.]

Lee-- Lee-san... [She'd almost tripped up again and left the honorific off and she trails off with a soft sigh.] I'm alright, really. I'm... I'm sorry that what happened is distressing you so much.

[She's not sure what to say to reassure him] I'm not going to-- To do that. You can believe me on that. [Yuri hesitates a moment] Are you... alright? o you want to talk about it...?

[She assumes by 'more unsettling' he means she actually jumped or something]

[He has managed to get a handle on himself for the most part, but the vision is still fresh on his mind, and flashes of it come back to him.

But Yuri's voice sounds warm even without her physical presence. It helps him to feel calmer even if he still worries, and even if he feels like he's looking into a problem that he's afraid that he can never truly see the full depths of.]

I... I think that I am alright now, Yuri-san. Please, I am the one who should be sorry. I wanted to help you and carry your burdens. I should be stronger than to be affected by this...!

[He shakes his head and goes on more slowly than usual, actually sounding tired.]

I do believe you. Honestly, I do. You are so strong, Yuri. [He doesn't catch that one.] And I care so much about you! I know that you could not truly...! ...But even so, when I woke up, I was seized by that fear, a-and I had to know for myself.

...I am very sorry for disturbing your sleep.

If you weren't affected, I'd be worried. It doesn't mean you're not strong, it means you're human. [And it means he cares, even as he says as much. It's embarrassing, but in a good sort of way. It feels good to know people care so much, even as else wishes she didn't give them reason to.

And he'd cared enough to blow up her phone at 3am to make sure everything was okay. It makes her feel warm inside and she smiles a little despite herself. Her voice softens] Thank you, Lee. For caring. [she gives up on the honorifics at this point; she'll bring it up officially a little later, but for now she focuses on the conversation at hand. ]

You can call me anytime, really. I'd rather you call and be reassured than just waste time working yourself up. I don't mind. [Trying to brighten the mood a little, she adds lightly:] I like hearing your voice.

Besides... It's nice, to know someone cares. I feel bad for giving you the reason you had that nightmare to begin with, but... [Yuri says 'but,' but she doesn't actually know where she's going with that.] Having you wake me up to check up on me doesn't bother me, really. You're sweet, Lee.

["it means you're human". Lee feels tears building up in his eyes as she says that, but they're warm tears, born of that realization that she breeds in him and trickling softly down his cheeks.

Alone in a dark room, all that he can hear aside from the rhythm of his own breath is her lovely voice saying such kind things. Well, that and he almost feels like he can hear his heart pounding.

He listens to all of her words, with a sad smile building on his face... along with some hints of color at being considered to be 'sweet'.]

Your words, Yuri... They are kinder than I ever thought I deserved. [He's speaking in a much softer tone than usual. It's the voice of the heart lying under all of those layers of energy.]

I am glad that you think that way. A-and honored. [Then a light bit of joy enters his tone; he is clearly beaming as he says this.] I do enjoy hearing your voice as well!

[But the energy quickly fades again, in favor of the more tender tone.]

It... the nightmare feels so much further away, and that is thanks to you. Thank you so much for speaking to me, and- and so kindly and patiently! And please know, that any time you need someone at all, you do not need to hesitate to contact me. I want to do everything that I can to help you. I... [He's not sure what he wants to say, but some words manage to find their way out of him anyway.] ...You are precious, Yuri.

Lee... [She trails off, feeling her face turning red. What does she say here? What can she say in the face of such relentless optimism and belief in her? Ah, she really is becoming too fond of people like Lee--and Lee especially; it's A Problem. She'd worked up a wall between herself and most others, not wanting to see their emotions and thoughts, not wanting to know the ugly truth of how people thought of her. But with Lee, she doesn't even need to use that power to know that what he says and feels will be be truthful.]

Thank you. I know I can rely on you. [It doesn't seem nearly enough to say, doesn't get across the sheer depth of her gratitude.] But you don't have to thank me. I understand what that's like, and... If I can reassure you somehow, that's all I want.

Do you think you'll be able to sleep again tonight? Maybe you'll have better dreams this time around.

[Lee feels a strong sense of contentment and a smile stretches across his face despite everything. He does not dwell on his feelings in this moment or what they mean. He just knows that he cares for Yuri so much... and he feels calm.]

I believe that I will. You do not need to worry, Yuri-san. Your words... They are making me smile again. I- I believe that I will soon be able to rest peacefully.

But... Will you be able to get back to sleep, after this?

[Yuri hesitates a moment, closing her eyes as if testing to see just how easy or hard sleep will come. She feels pretty awake right now, but she has no doubt it won't last.]

I think so. Maybe not right away, but I'll get back to sleep. Don't-- [But she cuts herself off and makes a small, amused noise.] I'd say 'don't worry about,' but you'll probably do that anyway. But it'll be fine, I promise.

I... I see. [There's something that sounds like a warm chuckle.] I apologize, but I feel certain that I will still worry for you. B-but... I believe in you, too. And I will hope that your dreams are pleasant and peaceful and- and full of life. [Just like her smile.]

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