That is a natural thing. I was afraid, too do you remember? Someone told me that fear is good, because it means at least that you've acknowledged a problem; and then can confront it.
You're not pitied. I don't feel that way. I empathize, and want to help--not because I see you as weak, but because you are my friend. Sometimes almost like the brother I never had, odd as it sounds.
You are brave. And you will fight it like me in time, I hope. It is horrible, and maybe--you ought to see it as you would any other enemy. Because that's what it is.
No, don't apologize to me. There is nothing to be contrite for. I believe in you.
[And here she turned on the video of network device, so he could see her, but she could not see him; and smiled warmly.]
[Okita moved automatically to shut down his own computer, then curled his knees up against his chest and pressed his face against them. Well and so, he was dying. And he'd known, hadn't he? He must have known. He'd answered her. He just hadn't wanted to-
Something touched his leg, and he turned his head to the side, opening his eyes to see Saizo tug at the hem of his yukata with a busy series of squeals.
"Would you like to dress up and go out with me tomorrow, Saizo?" he asked, trying to smile. Not fooled, the piglet got a better grip on the cloth in his mouth and yanked mightily. Okita reached out to stroke Saizo's head. His chest hurt.]
That was that, so to speak. Again she had reached out to him, with as much frankness and fondness as she would have any blood brother of hers. And it hadn't worked. That was fine, she supposed. Because she was reminded that he was not her brother. In fact she barely knew him, and if this kept happening, she never would beyond hollow words printed in textbooks.
She sighed, and exited her room to rejoin the Doctor in the kitchen. The smell of cookies filled the air, and no doubt Rimudo would want one when he got home from work. But they weren't his to have.
For the remainder of the night she talked and sat with the Doctor, and so her fight with her greatest enemy began. She could be stronger than a man, in this case. She would face her enemy and strike it down. And leave no remains behind.
Okita wasn't sure how much time passed before he realized with a shock that he'd grown tired. Sighing, he stood and gathered Saizo in his arms before walking to bed. The piglet squeaked and squealed a litany of annoyances, and he couldn't help but let out a rusty laugh.
"Shh, Saizo."
"Buki!"
Laughing again, and feeling a little better, Okita headed in to sleep.
When the cookies were finished, she boxed them, and put on a cloak to head over to deliver them as promised. It didn't take long, and she managed to leave a little note; As promised. It was the most fun dare I had yesterday. Takiko.
For a moment she stared at his door, but then turned away. Men often ran away from their problems, she noticed; and perhaps the same could be true with herself. But this time, she wouldn't give chase. When he was ready, she was sure they would spend time together again soon. She left, and made her way home, and slept a peaceful night away despite the incessant ticking of the clock.
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Dare.
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...Make me a dozen cookies~?
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That is easy! Done.
Truth or Dare?
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...Truth.
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[Laughing.]
Why do you try to hide your illness from me? I have it, too; I know the symptoms.
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Because I'm afraid of it. I don't want to be pitied. I -
I can't stand the way it steals my strength. So long, so - for what-
[another breath, more labored.] I'm sorry, Takiko-san. See, I'm... not brave at all.
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You're not pitied. I don't feel that way. I empathize, and want to help--not because I see you as weak, but because you are my friend. Sometimes almost like the brother I never had, odd as it sounds.
You are brave. And you will fight it like me in time, I hope. It is horrible, and maybe--you ought to see it as you would any other enemy. Because that's what it is.
No, don't apologize to me. There is nothing to be contrite for. I believe in you.
[And here she turned on the video of network device, so he could see her, but she could not see him; and smiled warmly.]
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Please excuse me, Takiko-san. I'll see you tomorrow.
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So, I've only made things worse again. Maybe--no, I can't think negatively! But does he truly think pulling away like this all the time will help?
[She clicks off the video, and is silent for several moments.]
That was the truth. You can't run from it forever.
[This was muttered softly before a muffled 'Excuse Me' as she terminated the conversation.]
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Something touched his leg, and he turned his head to the side, opening his eyes to see Saizo tug at the hem of his yukata with a busy series of squeals.
"Would you like to dress up and go out with me tomorrow, Saizo?" he asked, trying to smile. Not fooled, the piglet got a better grip on the cloth in his mouth and yanked mightily. Okita reached out to stroke Saizo's head. His chest hurt.]
Reply
She sighed, and exited her room to rejoin the Doctor in the kitchen. The smell of cookies filled the air, and no doubt Rimudo would want one when he got home from work. But they weren't his to have.
For the remainder of the night she talked and sat with the Doctor, and so her fight with her greatest enemy began. She could be stronger than a man, in this case. She would face her enemy and strike it down. And leave no remains behind.
Reply
"Shh, Saizo."
"Buki!"
Laughing again, and feeling a little better, Okita headed in to sleep.
Reply
For a moment she stared at his door, but then turned away. Men often ran away from their problems, she noticed; and perhaps the same could be true with herself. But this time, she wouldn't give chase. When he was ready, she was sure they would spend time together again soon. She left, and made her way home, and slept a peaceful night away despite the incessant ticking of the clock.
Reply
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