[For what it’s worth, Joshua is already covered in so much grime that Ryu’s tears may help more than hinder. Not as sure about the snot.]
[He’s not thinking about that, regardless. He’s completely frozen.]
[The last time he’d experienced an embrace this emotional was when he’d reunited with his brother. He remembers holding each other, hearts spilling over with sobs for as long as they could, before necessity pulled them apart. That moment came easily, it was one he’d clawed his way towards ever since the beginning of his journey towards the truth more than five years prior.]
[Before that? He was ten, and certainly not the one meant to provide comfort.]
[As Ryu pours his feelings into Joshua’s shoulder, he’s at a complete loss on how to respond, especially with this strong of a reaction.]
[He feels for his friend. His heart breaks a little more with every stutter and wail. He just doesn’t know what to do.]
[So Joshua settles on a tried and true method: he thinks about what would Clive have done for him. Slowly, awkwardly, he raises his arms as much as Ryu’s grip will allow and wraps them around his back and squeezes tight. He lowers his chin so it’s against Ryu’s temple. Once he’s sure about his words, Joshua speaks in a soft, cajoling timbre.]
You didn’t lose me and you kept control. You did well, Ryu. I’m proud of you.
[As long as they manage to escape alive. He doesn’t voice that thought aloud.]
But there will come a time when we will have to fight again, and I won’t stand idly by. It’s my duty to protect you in return.
no subject
[He’s not thinking about that, regardless. He’s completely frozen.]
[The last time he’d experienced an embrace this emotional was when he’d reunited with his brother. He remembers holding each other, hearts spilling over with sobs for as long as they could, before necessity pulled them apart. That moment came easily, it was one he’d clawed his way towards ever since the beginning of his journey towards the truth more than five years prior.]
[Before that? He was ten, and certainly not the one meant to provide comfort.]
[As Ryu pours his feelings into Joshua’s shoulder, he’s at a complete loss on how to respond, especially with this strong of a reaction.]
[He feels for his friend. His heart breaks a little more with every stutter and wail. He just doesn’t know what to do.]
[So Joshua settles on a tried and true method: he thinks about what would Clive have done for him. Slowly, awkwardly, he raises his arms as much as Ryu’s grip will allow and wraps them around his back and squeezes tight. He lowers his chin so it’s against Ryu’s temple. Once he’s sure about his words, Joshua speaks in a soft, cajoling timbre.]
You didn’t lose me and you kept control. You did well, Ryu. I’m proud of you.
[As long as they manage to escape alive. He doesn’t voice that thought aloud.]
But there will come a time when we will have to fight again, and I won’t stand idly by. It’s my duty to protect you in return.
Do you understand?