[Ah. That's what this is about. He had a feeling, but she had to figure out how to say it. He reaches over, resting a hand on her shoulder.]
It takes time. Don't beat yourself up for not knowing how yet. [Understanding shines behind tired eyes, gently squeezing her shoulder before letting go. This was going to be hard enough as it is, but he doesn't look away.] ...That you aren't good enough. That there's someone better at this whole talking to others and more capable because that's what the world's told you time and time again.
[A hint of anger sparks behind the understanding; not at Futaba, but for her. She doesn't have to say it, but he gets the feeling her blood relatives are the type of people he'd kick the asses of without even being asked.] I'll direct them to you then, if my own family doesn't get to them first.
[He glances over to where Takashi went, realizing he was probably giving them some space so Futaba could say what she wanted to.] ...Mom left before I could even recall her voice, to protect me from this war with our own people. My pop was a hero. They tried to keep him from going back into that burning building, but couldn't tell him anything. I was nine.
While I love my parents, the Paladins and Coran became my family. Even if I had to leave them for a while, I would and have done everything I can for them... and I know they'd do the same for me. Even if Pidge can be just as awkward, or Lance wanting to rekindle a rivalry he started. They all gave me a chance, even after seeing me at my worst.
[The way he says it, not even the Dream Width shared that part.]
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It takes time. Don't beat yourself up for not knowing how yet. [Understanding shines behind tired eyes, gently squeezing her shoulder before letting go. This was going to be hard enough as it is, but he doesn't look away.] ...That you aren't good enough. That there's someone better at this whole talking to others and more capable because that's what the world's told you time and time again.
[A hint of anger sparks behind the understanding; not at Futaba, but for her. She doesn't have to say it, but he gets the feeling her blood relatives are the type of people he'd kick the asses of without even being asked.] I'll direct them to you then, if my own family doesn't get to them first.
[He glances over to where Takashi went, realizing he was probably giving them some space so Futaba could say what she wanted to.] ...Mom left before I could even recall her voice, to protect me from this war with our own people. My pop was a hero. They tried to keep him from going back into that burning building, but couldn't tell him anything. I was nine.
While I love my parents, the Paladins and Coran became my family. Even if I had to leave them for a while, I would and have done everything I can for them... and I know they'd do the same for me. Even if Pidge can be just as awkward, or Lance wanting to rekindle a rivalry he started. They all gave me a chance, even after seeing me at my worst.
[The way he says it, not even the Dream Width shared that part.]