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

[perfectteatime]

That's probably not a good thing, though it does mean you have a very kind heart. Though I could tell that just by talking to you.

[shiro2hero]

Hey, I just end up seeing the good in people. Maybe that has something to do with it.

But I have to say, the person who invites someone over and makes him tea to keep his mind off a curse is pretty kind hearted, too.

[perfectteatime]

Be that as it may, you must look out for yourself sometimes.

Ah- well that's... I don't know. It's nothing really. [ A little bit of a blush. ]

[shiro2hero]

Well... we're working on that.

[Is he? Maybe. We just don't know.]

It's a lot, from where I'm sitting. And it means a lot, too.

[perfectteatime]

Well, in that case, I'll take it.

You know you're welcome to come have tea with me any time you want. I find it to be ery relaxing and I enjoy serving.

[shiro2hero]

I... I'd like that.

[No really, he would.]

I'll have to make tea for you, sometime. As a thank you.

[Because, shockingly, hot drinks are the ONE THING he can't screw up in the kitchen.]

[perfectteatime]

Well, your presence and companionship is thanks enough, but I will not say no to tea.

And you know... if you perhaps wanted to try going on a date sometime, I'd like that too.

1/?

[shiro2hero]

I've been told I make pretty decent tea.

[shiro2hero]

[ Byleth's poor Espurr can probably hear a record scratch noise though, as soon as the word Date comes up. ]

[Oops.]

[shiro2hero]

[ oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap no no no not right now not when he can't deflect not when he has to speak his mind oh %$#@ no ]

[shiro2hero]

[No. Okay. Breathe. Focus. He cannot screw this up - he's already fond of the guy - but - ]

[But there's that lingering shadow of what he lost. Of what everyone is trying to force on him, trying to push on him. It's not Byleth's fault, there's no way the man could possibly know. Why now - why now of all times?]

[His jaw works. He's got to do this, doesn't he?]

ok done

[shiro2hero]

Byleth, I ...

I need to think about it?

[Wow, that sure feels like some kind of garbage, even if it's true. It feels like those awful 'it's not you it's me' speeches. But he really, truly isn't completely against the idea. He hasn't been. There's a part of him that deeply wants nothing more than an enthusiastic yes. While the rest of him yells betrayal.]

I'm not - I'm not opposed. I just. Need to think about it.

[perfectteatime]

[ He watches Shiro chew on that, and realizes- oh yes. He is afflicted right now. Perhaps that was not the best time to ask. There is a little pang of guilt, but the smile on his face doesn't falter at Shiro's answer. ]

Of course, Shiro. There's really no pressure, I probably should have asked you when you weren't put upon by such a strange kind of affliction. So I do apologize for putting you on the spot, I hope it doesn't stress you too badly.

Regardless, take all the time you need, and even if the answer is no, I'm more than happy to continue our friendship. Most importantly, please do not worry.

I may add that there is also no time limit on this invitation, so don't rush to decide.

[shiro2hero]

No, no, you didn't. [He actually manages a slight laugh, though the humor in it is a bit forced.] Stress is... sort of my default setting.

[He pushes a hand through his hair, fidgeting a bit with the strands in his fingers.]

I... think I really just need time. I've been out of the - dating pool? I guess? for a long time now.

[Though, honestly, hearing Byleth is willing to stay friends either way takes a lot of weight off.]

[perfectteatime]

That's probably not a good thing, Shiro.

[ He says this with a small measure of amused concern. ]

That's understandable. You don't even need to tell me your reasons if you're not comfortable to. You don't owe me anything, your company is plenty.

As long as you aren't pushing yourself.

[shiro2hero]

Yeah, probably not.

[But what can you do? No rest for the wicked - or the... absolute opposite of wicked, really.]

Hang around me long enough, the reasons will... probably be pretty clear. People I know have a way of doing that.

[perfectteatime]

I'll look forward to learning more about you.

The good and the bad. Though hopefully from you, not the people around you.

[shiro2hero]

I'd like that. I'd like that a lot, actually.

[perfectteatime]

So it shall be.