itstillhurt | Songerein IC Inbox

[He re-reads the messages several times, thinking on what to say.]

Are you not noticing the pattern, though?

Your brother. This person. Me, in my way. We're all offering you different versions of the same thing.

The only one insisting you aren't worth the time, aren't worth the care - is you.

That's fear, Azula. And it is the only thing that can still devour you.

[How was he even as frustrating to argue with as he was to fight? At least she's pulled herself together- well, mostly- by the time she reads his response.]

Alternatively, maybe all of the people you listed are simply ridiculous and sentimental.

[Yeah, that's not even a real argument, she's just being petulant now.]

Fine. Suppose this is merely motivated by fear. That doesn't mean the fear isn't reasonable.

[Ooof, he's gonna have to take her on a leap with this one.]

Do you really think you're going to do it again? Or does it help you keep away the closeness you're afraid of?

Let's see if you aren't a bit ridiculous and sentimental, too. It'll need an honest answer to a question, though.

When I think about watching a sunset, with Katara there with me? The warmth of her nearby, the smell of her hair when she leans against me, I feel warmth, and peace.

Think about that situation with this theoretical person. Imagine a beautiful moment with them, close by. Maybe being held. What do you feel when you think of that?

Don't be ridiculous, I'm not some blushing schoolgirl to get flutter bats in my stomach over this sort of thing. I assure you, there's nothing.

[Nothing.

-She doesn't remember making the decision to gently lean against him, pressing her side against his as she cries, but it happens all the same-
-'You'll never deserve him,' comes the child's voice, mocking and contemptuous, 'never.' She knows it's true, but she pulls herself against him anyway, and the child's voice is silenced.-
-Her thoughts come to a shrieking halt as she feels his hand rest gently over hers, lightly tugging her wrist as he urges her toward the wheel-
-He steps closer, gently brushes the her bangs aside, and rests the cloth against her head, and she freezes. Completely.-
-She doesn't remember deciding to slip her arms around him in return, but she does notice how quickly it seems to drive the panic away-

She hadn't even had to consciously play along with Aang's suggestion, the memories popped into her head unbidden.]

There's... nothing. Quiet. Stillness. He makes it... peaceful, somehow. Safe. That's all.

Then that's worth the risk. That's one of the hardest things to achieve of all.

Take the risk. He'll meet you there. And between the two of you, you'll be fine.

Theoretically.

[Bringing it back to 'theoretically' actually gets a huff of amusement out of her.

That... none of that was the answer she'd expected, but it's infuriatingly difficult to refute his logic.]

I assumed that bringing peace to one's mind wasn't that difficult, for most people.

[That it was a unique defect on her part, in other words.]

I suppose this means that I owe you a debt of gratitude. Again.

Everybody faces their own challenges - you had your own laid out for you. You'll overcome them.

And you owe me absolutely nothing.

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