IC Continuations

[twindividualism]

Comments

[completionism]

Well there's friendly friends and then there's like sincerely pained and miserable because you've hurt them and like maybe there's not that big a difference but I didn't actually have any friends in my life ever so this is literally the first time something like this happened to me . . . you were one of the first people I became friends with?! I didn't know . . . how . . . feelings . . .

[he's slowly going red, a little ashamed]

[twindividualism]

Just being friendly isn't friends! That's just—it's polite . . . but from our first meeting I thought—I . . .

Should I have said it? I'm . . . I'm not good at this either. I can't keep any friends . . .

[completionism]

[squishing Kaoru's face in both hands]

We're friends! We're . . . we're friends. Really, truly! And I won't let that change.

[twindividualism]

[puts his hands over Mikogami's, but he doesn't quite meet his eyes]

I—y-yes. I believe we are! I just—I'm . . . still scared of that guy.

[completionism]

Are you worried for you, or for me? Or both? Because I promise I can take care of myself.

[twindividualism]

Both? And other people you know.

[completionism]

[shakes his head]

We're much stronger. Much, much stronger. Mutsu and I by ourselves could take down an army, so it's fine.

[twindividualism]

Not everyone is that strong.

[completionism]

I know! And there are people that are stronger, and scarier, too. When it comes down to it, you just have to be better and better and believe in yourself and the people around you. Some people are awful. And some people can and will hurt you. But I'm not going to let that happen.

[twindividualism]

That's what people always say! I can't do that! I tried and I just— And there's not always going to be someone there to stop things from happening!

[completionism]

[. . . smooths a hand over his hair]

No . . . maybe there's not. But that doesn't mean I'll ever stop trying to make that true.

[twindividualism]

. . .

[leans closer to thunk his head against Mikogami's shoulder]

[completionism]

[. . . rubs his noise against Kaoru's hair, nuzzling, wrapping his arms around him lightly]

It freaks me out, too. A lot of people I know here—have gotten hurt. And others I know, have hurt them. On and on . . . it's so exhausting! But I'm not . . . doing so bad. I have people relying on me so I'll make it better and better.

[twindividualism]

[makes a soft whining sound, pressing closer and balling a fist up in the front of Mikogami's shirt]

I thought it was all going to stop when I came here . . .

[completionism]

Mm, I know.

[soothing him, stroking his hair and back]

It doesn't have to be all bad, though. There's a lot of nice things. And a lot of people that will have your back.

[twindividualism]

No . . . they're all leaving.

[completionism]

. . . I'm right here, aren't I?

[twindividualism]

You are . . .

[completionism]

. . . if you want me.

[twindividualism]

I d—nn . . .





I do.

[completionism]

[. . . lets out a deep breath, pressing his face against Kaoru's hair again, just making a muffled "mmhmm"]

[twindividualism]

[. . . wraps his arms around him properly now]

Thanks.

[completionism]

Don't . . .

Mm . . . you can stay here. If you want. I mean, if you have other people you want to—then it's—

[twindividualism]

I—no, I should go back . . . Doesn't March stay here anyway?

[completionism]

Why the hell would March stay here? He has his own Master and his own place that's nothing to do with me.