perfectteatime | Victory Road Inbox

[That's... new information. He doesn't reply immediately, his eyes lowered, focused on the teacup.]

I think you're the first person to ever tell me something like that.

[He's not arguing. He's definitely not arguing, just - trying to take it in. Trying to accept it. In the meantime, he takes a biscuit too, toying with it a moment.]

Resting, 'being kind' sounds ... it [Deep breath.] I've never been great at that.

Really? To tell you that you ought to deserve a break? Or that you can stay?

[ He tilts his head, finishing his cup of tea before going on. ]

You're plenty kind to others. Sometimes, it's as simple as letting someone else take care of you.

What kinds of things do you like to do? If you didn't have any responsibilities, what would you do?

Ah, no I mean... that something simple like this is a vacation.

[Right - drink the tea. It's warm, and immediately soothing. He lets his eyes close for a few moments.]

I can definitely... say I'm not great at that part. Never have been. [He wants to say he'd be willing to try. But he can't. Again with the inability to lie. Maybe he'd try for a while, but it would always fall flat.]

Fly, honestly. Start piloting again - if it were even possible here. But I don't mind the observatory. I really don't. Space was always important to me.

Ahh. Well yes. You can take little vacations all the time. A snack you like, or taking a small nap. If you give yourself these little gifts, life can seem less-

Just less really.

[ He nods. He's plenty used to people who don't take care of themselves like they should. ]

Hmm. Well, you have a flying pokemon, maybe you can teach them to fly closer to the way you like to. If you need a different kind, maybe we can search one out and become friends with it.

[ Now that he's done with his tea though, he decides he needs to get a better look at Shiro. To do this, he stands and leans way over the table, looking at him from different angles. That's a normal thing people do right? ]

"Just less", huh?

[He's trying to parse that. Trying to turn that over in his head. It doesn't really seem possible. Just taking time for himself.]

Skarmory's the fastest flyer I can find, short of a Pidgeot. I - I guess I just miss being the one at the controls. Clearing the atmosphere again. But - I really appreciate...

[The offer, he was about to say. But then, suddenly, Byleth is right there.] ... your... advice? Hi?

We could perhaps see if we can get you a Pidgeot... Teach it to fly in response to touch signals. That's what we did with the Wyverns in a lot of cases.

Yes hello.

[ He's still up here. In your face. Looking closely. ]

Just want to make sure I get a good look at you.

That's right - you said you had Wyverns in your world. If you flew them, I'd love to learn more.

[Absolutely. Anything to get himself into the air more often. Maybe that's what he needs, after all.]

[He's... really not sure what's going on. And ends up staring sort of dumbly at Byleth in return.]

Is - there something on my face? [A beat.] Besides the uh. [He lifts his hand, gesturing at the scarring over his nose.]

No, nothing on your face I don't think. Just wanted to make sure I get to see how your face really is. You don't get curious?

You have to get in close to get rid of the blur.

[ Goddess above help this man needs glasses. ]

Blur...?

[Wait. Wait, wait wait. The space hamster is running on its wheel now.]

Byleth, are you... nearsighted?

Am I what?

[ Hey remember that this guy was raised as a mercenary... yeah. He's actually kind of dumb if you scrape off the whole Professor thing and it's not about tactics or swordplay. ]

Oh, no, no. I just have to look really closely so people aren't fuzzy.

[Oh. Oh my god. Oh, you beautiful, dumb man.]

I... that's exactly what it is. You have a hard time seeing things that aren't close up.

It's why most people wear glasses...

Oh.

Huh. Hadn't thought of that. Glasses are expensive though. And if I'm in a fight, and someone pops me in the face, that's glass in my eyes- though I guess that doesn't so much matter here...

[ The wheels are turning. ]

I guess maybe I should look into that.

I... don't think they're that expensive, here. Even if they are, I'm sure people wouldn't mind helping you out. I wouldn't, for one.

[Oh sir, please. Please get glasses, he's worried now.]

One of the bigger cities probably has an optometrist - an eye specialist.

Hmm...

I suppose I will have to look into it then. Maybe then the headaches will stop too...

[ ???????BYLETH?????? ]

Yes. I will have to go consult this optimist. Do you not think that glasses might make me look silly?

Headaches, too?

[Sir, please. How has no one noticed??]

Yeah, please. Please go see them. It'll definitely help your eyesight. And headaches.

[Oh no. Don't - ask him those questions - ]

- I think you'd look great in them, actually.

I suppose I have no sensible choice then do I? I kind of just thought everyone was like this. Never really thought much about it before.

[ Head tilt. Oh yes those questions. ]

Oh? I'm flattered. What makes you say that?

I promise, it's not something you have to just... live with. Not here, anyway.

[Ohhhhh boy. He clears his throat, and pushes his hands through his hair.]

I uh. It's just... a good feeling. I have. About the whole... thing.

[When you can't LIE but don't know how to put it in words, either!!]

You have a good feeling about how I'd look in glasses?

[ He's curious. Kind of an odd way to phrase that. ]

[Shiro just. Slowly drops his head onto the table. Onto his folded arms.]

... yes. [It comes out a bit strangled.]

Well thank you that's-

[ Oh. ]

Are you all right?

I'm fffffff...

[Oh he cannot even finish that word. Please kill him.]

... flustered. I am... flustered. I'm not used to uh. Telling people what I think. They'd look nice in.

Ah... well there's nothing to be embarrassed about paying someone a compliment is there? Not that I'm going to judge you for anything either way.

You needn't worry about speaking plainly to me, Shiro.

Ah... it's - not something I'm used to complimenting. Usually I... I'm usually telling people they're intelligent, or compassionate, or really kind to let me come out to their place and make me tea and...

[Deep breath.]

I am. Rambling.

Ahh I see.

[ He nods, thoughtfully chewing a shortbread cookie. ]

If it helps, I think you are very handsome?

[ o h n o ]

I - [Why is this hard??] - agree. About you.

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