(Untitled)

[not_riku_thx]

Shinji...

[His voice is a cold hiss, low, partially shivering from cold, partially shaking from barely controlled frustration. This is Prydain trying to hold it together, upon surveying the damage. And after several days, this is the final straw, he sounds of the verge of breaking.]

When this all clears up...hah- [There's a shuddering breath, a brief

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[betrayedblade]

[Children will be children, Prydain. You get used to it.

He's standing up near the top by now like a stern gargoyle, but his back is to the lobby downstairs as his keen eyes survey the damage with a dark look.]

Mal fortuna.

[not_riku_thx]

[He gives the man as stern a look as he can, even as his confidence seems to falter into something childlike...more broken boyish, surveying the damage on his clubhouse.

He rubs at his arms and drops his stance into a soured slump, averting his eyes but mumbling all the shame.]

That goes for you too.

[betrayedblade]

[He hesitates with stern words on his lips but in the end logic wins over pride; it would look bad to undermine Prydain's leadership and strengthen it to have an adult follow it. He bows with a slight nod and takes a step back.

But not quite leaving yet.]

Material possessions can be fixed; buildings can be rebuilt. Lives cannot always. It was your leadership that kept them safe; it will be your leadership that helps them rebuild.

[not_riku_thx]

I can't snap my fingers and make it summer.

[He grumbles slightly, staring down at his bandaged feet, four-times-socked feet.]

[betrayedblade]

No. But winter cannot last forever.

[not_riku_thx]

I can't stay strong like this. I don't think I can, for much longer.

[betrayedblade]

You can, and you will. [He reaches out slowly and clasps Prydain on the shoulder supportively.] For them if not yourself.

[not_riku_thx]

[He lifts his head to meet the older man's eyes, then just as quickly drops his gaze away]

I wish Iroh was still here.

[betrayedblade]

[For that he shifts uncomfortably on his feet, but his hand remains firm for Prydain's sake. He can be the strong one if the young Replica cannot anymore.]

Sometimes people go away whether they mean to or not. We go on without them...because we honor their memory.

Prydain. Sometimes we just have to be too stubborn to give up no matter the odds. What would your lost friend think if he knew you were quitting so easily?

[not_riku_thx]

[Honor and memory in the same sentence. That makes guilt sear at him, thinking of his old mentor (who would have had the building toasty, with his chip out) and he nods.]

He'd be dissapointed.

[He sighs.]

I'll try.

[betrayedblade]

[He gives Prydain's shoulder a good pat before removing his hand.]

That is better. Focus on that rather than what was unpreventable. You will make it.

And I will be here to help.

[not_riku_thx]

Thanks.

[He murmured faintly; at the moment it felt like all he could do.]

[betrayedblade]

[If Prydain had been his son he would have gladly taken him up in his arms for comfort--but he wasn't, and he knew not whether it would help or hurt. Instead he would leave the other to his own devices if a bit reluctantly in his heart.

...He sighed heavily when he was down the stairs out of sight and ear range.]