Week 5, Wednesday

[disilluded]

[Hi Nico.

It's probably weird but here's Sousei, precariously balanced on a window sill of all things.

Reaching very, very carefully for a fan that is just a tad bit out of reach.

It looks totally stupid, yeah.

Fair's fair for the armor thing.]

Comments

[disilluded]

[There is a great deal of this memory he doesn't understand--a lot of people he doesn't know, and a lot of terms that are completely foreign to him. But... there is something he understands, and that's that Nico went through something utterly horrific in his life (unsurprising, considering his demeanor), but then continued to try to deal with things as best he can.

Because... that, too, is the sort of person he is...?

Perhaps that is what it is.

Sousei's quiet for a long moment, arms crossed as he processes this, and then he quirks an eyebrow at Nico.]

We do not have to discuss it if you are unwilling to do so. You did not choose to share this.

[resumed]

[Sousei's allowed time to process because Nico has to figure it out, too. He'd only been foggily aware of things back then but seeing it now...it's a little strange. Still, his hands are in the pockets of his jacket and he gives Sousei a neutral look.]

...it was about six months ago, sir. [That is to say that they don't have to discuss it since it's the past, but he also wouldn't mind simply to sate curiosity. He asked Sousei enough questions.]

[disilluded]

[Hm...]

Then I have only one question for you. You need not answer, if you are uncomfortable doing so.

[...]

If you are surrounded by such people, who believe that the world can change even in circumstances that are grim, do you not believe in their beliefs as well?

[resumed]

[...well. There's an awkward shrug.]

Circumstances were a bit difficult back home. I didn't think they would actually come to save me. [...] But Percy's the strongest demigod I've ever met. I don't think he would have stopped at anything less than fixing the world. It took all of us to take down Gaea though.

[So...] ...I believe it now more than I used to. Knowing we're all on the same side and part of the same team instead. I believe it more some days than others, but there are people that are in my life now that make it easier.

One of them is here. The others aren't.

[disilluded]

[... well. Sousei wasn't asking to pass any sort of judgement on it or anything. He was sincerely just curious--so he nods quietly at that, and looks satisfied.]

I see. That was all I wished to know. I believe I understand a little better now what your stance is.

[resumed]

[A half-smile.]

Thank you, sir. [Yeah his stance is a Mess but here we are. At least the bubble's gone.] I've thought about what you've said though. I'm trying still.

[Hope has to win out in this case. Even if it's hard to believe some days.]