Birds of a Feather

[evocalize]

See you later, Ryoji-san. [Ryoji had already been told that he could stay longer as long as he went home at night, and they'd capitalized on that to talk about everything underneath the sun: Girls, school and so on were the main topics although they'd also shared a joke here and there. Minato was supposed to see him off, but it was his turn to shower and he'd left to take a quick bath-

Only to return in his bedclothes with his hair a little damp and feeling sleepy, stifling a yawn as he opens the door and blinking in surprise when he sees Ryoji lying on his bed. He walks over to the railing to place his towel before kneeling down to look at his friend and shake him gently.] ...are you alright?

Comments

[evocalize]

Please don't say that, Ryoji-san. [Minato's expression becomes somber and he walks closer to his friend and stops there, eyes level with Ryoji's own.]

Even if those dreams don't mean anything, they're still frightening you, aren't they? I don't want you to face it alone.

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji doesn’t back away, though it looks clear that if he could, he would run. He tries to keep smiling, but the fake cheer is rapidly fading.]

I-It’s okay. No one should have to face them but me. They’re my own stupid thoughts, so I should be the one to deal with them.

[evocalize]

[Hearing Ryoji say that about his thoughts makes Minato feel extremely uncomfortable and given what he's said about those dreams and what he might do if he thought those visions could happen, it just doesn't add up to a pretty picture.

He's definitely angry in some way right now even if he doesn't know why, looking fiercely at Ryoji as Ryoji continues to try and smile.]

They're not just stupid thoughts, not when they're hurting you like this.

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji tries to wave off his concern with a chuckle. it’s shocking that Minato cares this much about some nightmares… about the fact that Ryoji is having some nightmares. Was it really worth getting so worked up over?]

It’s really okay. Y-You don’t need to be upset… I’m not physically hurt or anything. I always remember they’re just dreams soon enough.

[Even if they still worry him, it’s nothing.]

[evocalize]

[Minato's still very bothered by Ryoji's attempt to play off his dreams but he does apologize and pull back, knowing that losing his cool won't help anyone.]

I'm worried about you. I've had dreams like that before and it never felt good afterwards...I don't want you to feel that way too.

[notsogrimreaper]

You… you’ve had similar dreams?

[Now instead of focusing on his own troubles, Ryoji is instead worrying over Minato, taking his hands and squeezing tightly.]

What were they like? Are you okay?

[evocalize]

They were frightening at first, but I got used to it. [His expression remains blank as he grasps Ryoji's fingers and squeezes back, hoping that he'll be able to feel more comfortable with this revelation.]

I'm okay now, but...it's not something you should go through alone, Ryoji. [His voice is soft but it's insistent all the same- he won't let what happened to him happen to anyone else he knows and cares for.]

[notsogrimreaper]

I… I guess not. It’s not fair that you’re going to help me through something I never got to support you through, though.

[He frowns and lifts Minato’s hand so he can hold it between both of his hands.]

Is it… really that bad? I mean, why am I having nightmares like yours?

[evocalize]

It's alright, you weren't there at that time. [Minato sighs as Ryoji holds his hand but he doesn't pull back, finding it relieving that his friend is starting to be more interested in this dream.]

I don't know why you're having the same nightmares now, but it's really something that you shouldn't ignore. ...let's just say that I have a bad feeling about it, dream or not.

[notsogrimreaper]

Well… I guess if you think I shouldn’t ignore it, it wouldn’t hurt to record what I remember and see if we can figure anything out.

[Ryoji smiles softly. Holding Minato’s hand makes him feel a lot safer, even when they’re discussing a serious topic.]

[evocalize]

[Minato smiles as well when he sees that Ryoji's more at ease now than he was before.]

That's right. I'll be here for you whenever you need to talk about your nightmares- it'll make me feel better too to know that you're getting help for it.

[notsogrimreaper]

You really are always there for me, Minato… I’m really glad to have you. Is that strange of me to say?

[Minato has just become so important in such a short time… it’s a little weird, but it feels natural.]

[evocalize]

Uh, not really. [He smiles awkwardly, being unused to such praise from anyone.] It does seem that we've been running a lot more into each other lately though...maybe it's just a coincidence?

[notsogrimreaper]

Maybe. I’m glad it’s happening though, for whatever reason. I wanted to see you more often, so I’m happy I’m getting a chance to.

[evocalize]

Let's hope that we'll see each other more then. I'm sure we will...anyhow, it looks like everyone else is getting up soon. Would you still like to stay?

[notsogrimreaper]

I… well, it would be awkward for the others, wouldn’t it? So I should probably go.

[He hates that he has to, but he doesn’t want to cause Minato trouble.]

[evocalize]

Alright. Give me a call if you'd like to hang out afterwards. See you later. [He waves a hand, though he won't close the door until Ryoji's far away.]

[notsogrimreaper]

Wait! I don’t think I have your number! I can’t believe I never asked for it…

[He runs back up the stairs, secretly relieved to have an excuse to stay.]

[evocalize]

Ah! You're right, we never did give it to each other...hang on. [He takes out his phone, ready to give his as soon as he has Ryoji's number too.]

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji holds out his phone and recites his number with a sheepish grin.]

Silly that we never remembered to get them before, huh?

[evocalize]

Maybe, but we didn't have a reason to do so before. [Too busy with girls, the both of them...anyway, he gives his number shortly after that.] Alright, see you later then. I think Aigis is up...

[notsogrimreaper]

Ahaha, then I better leave before she sees me… thanks a lot. You’re an amazing person, Minato.

[And before he can see Minato’s reaction to that, Ryoji turns and runs off.]

[evocalize]

Eh? What do you- oh, it's too bad that track team's out of slots. [Aigis appears not long after that followed by a series of questions about whether Ryoji was here, and then Minato possibly had fun hanging out with him after that assuming he isn't grounded.

Ha.]