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

[woofdad]

Oh, come on, I'm not as bad as Dimitri.

[No, he... he knows he is. He is struggling to maintain a straight face just saying that.]

[perfectteatime]

You absolutely are.

[woofdad]

...Yeah, you're right.

[Siiiigh.]

But, I can tell you now, it really is fine!

[perfectteatime]

I'll let you off this time, Grant.

[woofdad]

Thank you for your generosity. Do I have to worry about getting in trouble next time, though?

[perfectteatime]

Sounds like you're looking for trouble.

[woofdad]

Hey, maybe I'm trying to stay out of trouble, is that so hard to believe?

[As if Grant ever does anything but try to stay out of trouble.]

[perfectteatime]

I don't know. You seem awfully cheeky for someone trying to be good.

[woofdad]

You make it difficult not to be, is all!

[He's laughing quietly now, managing - now that he's been getting in the habit - to keep from covering his mouth. It fades after a moment, though, something like guilt creeping into his smile.] Ah... it's probably kind of weird of me to be... pretty much flirting with you right after Shiro turned me down, huh.

[He doesn't want it to seem like he wasn't that invested in Shiro's answer - like he's just flitting off to the next handsome man in his social circle. He knows, of course, that none of that is true, and he doubts Byleth would think so little of him, but just the thought that he could be perceived that way is... unpleasant.]

[perfectteatime]

Is it? You are polyamorous... isn't it normal to have other prospects? I mean, I understand if you're not comfortable. In which case I will gladly give you your space.

But... well. You aren't hurting anyone, and I have no reservations. Otherwise I wouldn't be flirting back.

[ He just acknowledges that yes, he totally was flirting with Grant. ]

[woofdad]

I-I guess so. I mean, I'm not uncomfortable, no worries there. And it... I know that it's not actually abnormal for someone in my position to be thinking about dating multiple people.

It's just, uh... mm. Remember when I told you about the whole... the werewolf thing?

[perfectteatime]

I do yes.

Does that have some bearing on it?

[woofdad]

It... it does.

There's this, uh, idea people where I'm from have that our having some animal traits, plus low impulse control and stuff like that, means we're more, uh... animalistic in other ways. Driven by base instinct and all that. [He can't help an exhausted sort of half-sneer as he says that.]

So, our, uh... romantic and sexual relationships tend to be put under a lot of scrutiny. And people make a lot of assumptions. And then that piles on top of stereotypes about, say, gay men, and... [He scrubs at his face with one hand.] Basically, it's-- I can't stop worrying about that stuff. Especially now that I'm dating multiple guys, sometimes, I can't stop myself from thinking about how it might look to other people, even though almost nobody here has made it an issue.

[Almost.]

[perfectteatime]

[ He listens intently, processing that. Turning it over well in his mind before he speaks again. ]

Well. I'm sure you well know that nobody here would be judging you on that. Most don't even have context. However... I understand how you would still be worried. I'm sure those kinds of things aren't exactly something you just 'get over'.

People who hate, or fear- they'll always make up reasons. They'll always find something to poke at. It's not your job to represent a whole group of people. Hateful folk will always move the goal posts on you. They will always find a reason to avoid admitting they're wrong. Don't try to worry about dispelling any stigmas or trying to be more acceptable to people like that. Their opinions are empty. Valueless.

All you should be worrying about, is trying to enjoy your life.

I know my saying so is likely nothing you haven't heard or thought of before... but sometimes it helps to be reminded.

[woofdad]

Ha. Yeah. It's still always just... there, and it doesn't help when every so often, someone who doesn't have that context still says... something.

But-- I appreciate it. It does help, hearing it from other people. Especially ones whose opinions I care about.

[perfectteatime]

Mmm, I'm so sorry Grant. I can imagine it must be incredibly difficult to live with that kind of weight on your shoulders.

Well, I will say it as many times as I need to to help you feel more at ease.

[woofdad]

It... it kinda sucks, not gonna lie. [He gives a quiet, wryly amused snort.]

...Thank you. And, uh, thanks for talking to me about this stuff in general?

[perfectteatime]

Of course. I am always here to lend you an ear.

[ Ah. ] I did not mean for that to rhyme. But either way-

You don't have to endure alone.

[woofdad]

[That gets more of an actual laugh, whether Byleth meant it to or not.] Yeah. I'm, uh-- glad I don't, here. And the same goes for you, y'know - just in case you didn't know that already.

[perfectteatime]

Dually noted, Grant. I appreciate you.