Victory Road Inbox

[perfectteatime]

Hello. You've reached the message box for Byleth Eisner. Please leave a message after the beep.

... Was that all I had to do? Oh hit the pound key- BEEEEEP

Comments

[silky_bearing]

I'm sorry, Professor... I suppose I may, at times, have rather high expectations for myself. Too high, perhaps. But one must always hold oneself to the highest standards, lest they become part of the problem rather than the solution.

[ So yes he's being unreasonable but he's always unreasonable.... So it's okay? Would he be this hard on himself if it were a demonic bird that had hurt him? Yes. Probably moreso. ]

[perfectteatime]

[ A sigh. ]

It's okay. Just understand that nobody can be perfect all the time.

Just- you have permission to rest and allow yourself recovery, and to make mistakes. I'd prefer it if you did, actually. These unreasonable expectations must stop.

[ He goes to brew some tea finally and set up some snacks for him, which he brings over on a tray, setting it on the bedside table for him. ]

For now, eat and drink.

[silky_bearing]

[Going to make tea means that Byleth doesn't see the guilty look that flickers over Lorenz' face. Telling him not to have such high expectations is like telling water not to be wet, Professor.

Still he nods when Byleth returns with that order, reaching for the tea cup and promptly adding a bit too much sugar to it. Only because he feels so miserable.]

Thank you, Professor.

[perfectteatime]

[ A comforting hand rests on his head, stroking down his hair for a moment, holding his cheek. ]

It will be okay, Lorenz. I'm here.

[silky_bearing]

[It is horribly telling just how fragile his emotional state is that one simple gesture of affection has him simultaneously leaning desperately into the touch and looking for all the world like he might cry again. It's difficult in that moment, to force out a steady breath and not succumb to his emotions, to swallow back the threat of tears and force himself to pull away from the Professor with something that is, perhaps, meant to be reassuring.]

You have already done far too much for me, I fear. You needn't stay any longer than you desire.

[perfectteatime]

Ah, then I will stay as long as I like.

[ You played yourself, Lor. ]

You just relax and don't mind me, okay?

[silky_bearing]

Ah-

[That's not what he meant?!

But he slumps back against the pillows after a moment, surrendering himself to the professor's stubbornness.]

Very well, Professor.