AUDIENCE: HIKARU

[retellers]

Comments

[heartablaze]

[She nods quietly.]

Thank you.

I know he's really fond of you.

[retellers]

And I am fond of him as well.

[heartablaze]

That means you're friends!

I think... especially, some place like this, it's really good to know somebody understands you. I know you said you have memories you'd rather nobody see, and I think Chijin is the same.

So I'm really glad you both have each other, Goat-kun. I hope you both treasure that.

[retellers]

[ he nods. ]

I do. People's kindness is never something to take for granted.

[heartablaze]

Mm.

Chijin's been helping me to... mmm, well, not really change it, but to have a different view on it. He's lived a lot of life where I haven't .

It's why I'm glad I have friends like him, and like you. I know you'll tell me if you think my kindness is leading me down a path that's difficult, so I can make that choice as best I can.

I... know the next couple weeks are going to be really hard. But I hope you know you can always talk to us, just like we ask to talk to you, Goat-kun.

[retellers]

... Yes. [ softly, ] Thank you. I will keep that in mind.

[heartablaze]

[She leans back into him, her hug a little less insistent this time.]

Thank you. For seeing me a few days ago, and for... for letting me feel safe. I'm really, really sorry if I worried you.

[retellers]

You do not need to thank me for that—or to apologize. I am here for you, if you need it.

[heartablaze]

[She shakes her head against his torso, not looking up as she repeats his words back to him.]

"People's kindness is never something to take for granted."

[retellers]

[ ...

darn it, he hates it when people use his own words against him! ]

[heartablaze]

[yall old types need to listen to yourselves]

Somebody wise once told me that, anyway.

Not everyone is as kind as you. I think... it's good, to be reminded of what people appreciate about you.