[Hamel, on his end, recoils when he sees her reaction. Every time he opens his mouth, he just makes things worse.
So even though Hibiki relax eventually, he still keeps his distance, eyes averted and shoulders slightly hunched. He doesn’t respond when she speaks again, instead reverting to the silence, like he always does. He shouldn’t have tried this talking thing, he should’ve just kept his mouth shut. Things don’t get better when you keep quiet but they don’t get worse, either… ignore everything long enough and eventually it will go away on its own…
Then Hibiki breaks down.
It hits too close to home. The circumstances might be very different - and thank god for that - but Hamel knows exactly how she feels. The crushing guilt, the realization you brought so much pain to people, you never wanted to but it happens and it eats you alive… he couldn’t stop crying after Anthem, too.
If only he could make it better, but he can’t. Words, honest words, don’t come easy to him. He will just end up scaring her again. Maybe he should just let her cry, let it all out; but he can’t just stand there like an idiot when she cries. It’d be best if he leaves - he’s already told her he isn’t angry and that’s enough. It will sink in once she stops crying. Yes, he should simply walk out the door without another word…
He doesn’t. Instead, he sits down on the floor next to Hibiki.]
I know.
[Hamel holds out a hand to ruffle her hair. It’s very gentle and hesitant - ready to pull back if she flinches again.]
no subject
So even though Hibiki relax eventually, he still keeps his distance, eyes averted and shoulders slightly hunched. He doesn’t respond when she speaks again, instead reverting to the silence, like he always does. He shouldn’t have tried this talking thing, he should’ve just kept his mouth shut. Things don’t get better when you keep quiet but they don’t get worse, either… ignore everything long enough and eventually it will go away on its own…
Then Hibiki breaks down.
It hits too close to home. The circumstances might be very different - and thank god for that - but Hamel knows exactly how she feels. The crushing guilt, the realization you brought so much pain to people, you never wanted to but it happens and it eats you alive… he couldn’t stop crying after Anthem, too.
If only he could make it better, but he can’t. Words, honest words, don’t come easy to him. He will just end up scaring her again. Maybe he should just let her cry, let it all out; but he can’t just stand there like an idiot when she cries. It’d be best if he leaves - he’s already told her he isn’t angry and that’s enough. It will sink in once she stops crying. Yes, he should simply walk out the door without another word…
He doesn’t. Instead, he sits down on the floor next to Hibiki.]
I know.
[Hamel holds out a hand to ruffle her hair. It’s very gentle and hesitant - ready to pull back if she flinches again.]