AUDIENCE: SOO-WON

[retellers]

Comments

[retellers]

Still...

[recrowns]

Why do you think you need to say sorry to me?

[retellers]

... You're right. I'm sorry. [ a beat, before they realize what they just said. ] --I mean...

[recrowns]

[it's tired but

soo-won offers a small smile]

... it's alright, my friend.

[retellers]

[ ...

they hold out their arms. ]

Do you, um, want a hug? [ then, something seems to occur to them, and their arms drop. ] Ah, wait, your injuries...

[recrowns]

[he

looks momentarily surprised]

... you would offer me a hug after I've done something to upset you?

[retellers]

You are hurting, in more ways than one.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . there's

something oddly amused in his expression as he answers quietly]

Perhaps.... I am used to being hurt.

[it's as goat said

But I'm used to being sad, I think.]

[retellers]

... Even so.

[recrowns]

[ . . . soo-won will just

sigh then and move to walk forward before gently dropping his forehead down to goat's shoulder]

... you're too kind.

See to it that no one takes advantage of it.

[even though he feels as though that's what he's doing in this moment]

[retellers]

[ this is a little funny considering that goat is a fair bit shorter than soo-won but anyway.

they reach up to hug him, lightly so as to not bother his wounds. ]

I'm sure people have, and will. But it hurts no one but me to give kindness freely.

[recrowns]

[it is funny but it's fine he did this to hak too, it's the most he can do in terms of hiding his face

. . . . ]

And if I don't want you to be hurt?

[retellers]

[ ...

simply, ]

Can one go through life without being hurt?

[recrowns]

No. Nor can one go through life without harming others.

... but that does not mean that, when possible, one would hope that their loved ones and important people are spared from it.

[retellers]

... It is a kind hope. But a futile one, at times.

[recrowns]

... in this case, it only feels futile because you are being stubborn.

[but he'll straighten up then, a bit more in control of his expression]

I believe that's a phrase... 'Stubborn old goat'.

[retellers]

Are you sure you didn't make that up?

[recrowns]

While perhaps I normally would to tease you....

No, not this time.

[retellers]

Well, I am old, so that part is correct.

[recrowns]

I think you are a bit stubborn too.

[retellers]

Is that a bad thing?

[recrowns]

Hmm... depending on the situation, perhaps.

I do wish you'd care for your own person a bit more. [he frowns] But... I'm glad you already seem to be healing.

[retellers]

You don't have to worry about that. I will likely be fully healed by tomorrow.

[recrowns]

Ah, that's good...

Now I have to pretend like I don't know.

[retellers]

Ah. Should I not have said anything...?