ledbythewind | [Written/Action]

[It takes Richard a few days after the end of the experiment to regain his mental equilibrium. There are experiments and then there are experiments, and this one definitely fell into the latter category. However, being turned into a child again had brought back vivid memories of the last time that had happened here, and with it a realization that he can't - no, shouldn't - keep putting things off any longer. He's going to make good on his word.

But he barely gets three words into his message before he realizes that something is terribly wrong with the filter, and with a sudden sick feeling in his stomach, he knows the only thing it can mean.

He's gone... again.

It's a few long moments before he can do anything beyond just stare blankly at the journal, still trying to process this. No... it can't be... this isn't fair... Not after he'd finally gotten the second chance he'd never thought he'd have to apologize, for Naoki to disappear before they ever got that chance... this time it might be forever and Richard knows that all too well. He's not sure whether he wants to scream or cry, but what frightens him the most is the fact that he's not sure if he even can. He just feels numb, empty, the same way he did after his father's death. So many people have been returned home in such a short time...

Once again, it's duty that finally stirs him to action. Naoki had friends here; they deserve to know about this. That's why he'll take the pen and write a single, simple sentence in handwriting that isn't as practiced and elegant as it usually is:]

Naoki Kashima has returned home to the world he restored.

[That's it. That's all he can manage. He knows he's being selfish; this is what's best for Naoki. Naoki deserves to be back at home to live his life in the world he saved. But he still... he never even got to see Naoki face-to-face this time, and it hurts. Perhaps what hurts the most is all of the things he never got to say.

That done, he makes his way to the Battle Dome, where he sets up a scenario full of Nova monsters. He knows he's outgunned there and he doesn't even care-- he'll just continue to fight them blindly, unleash all of what he's feeling right now on them, until at last the scenario auto-aborts for his own safety and leaves him to sink down to his knees, breathing hard.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, he forces himself to his feet and makes his way back towards House 28, face almost frighteningly expressionless, but eyes anything but.]

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[Richard regards her for a moment as if debating what to say, somewhat embarrassed that he apparently isn't hiding things as well as he was hoping. Yet at the same time, her offer touches him, and he couldn't really turn down something like that without feeling even more guilty than he already does.]

... thank you. I'm not sure if I'm ready to discuss things yet, but just knowing that someone is willing to listen takes a great weight off my shoulders.

[Of course, whether he'll actually talk about it to anyone... well. That's still something he has difficulty with.]

[Pao-Lin nods.]

I guess I'll see you around, then. [She smiles.] Take care, okay?

[But she doesn't turn to leave just yet. Instead, after a brief moment of hesitation, she steps forward and gives Richard a small hug.]

[That hug catches Richard by surprise at first, and he isn't quite sure what to do since it's so rare that he's on the receiving end of hugs that he didn't initiate. Instead, he just remains frozen in surprise for a few moments before at last he relaxes enough to return that hug very carefully, almost as if Pao-Lin were something made of glass that might shatter if he squeezes too hard. Sorry, Pao-Lin, he's still sort of fail when it comes to affection.]

[Pao-Lin notices the tentativeness, but figures that maybe Richard isn't a very huggy person and maybe she shouldn't have encroached on his personal space like this. But he just seemed so sad, and with the help and support he'd given her, she just wanted to show that she'd do the same for him, if he asked.

Gently, Pao-Lin pulls away, and this time, she leaves for real, giving one last wave to Richard before turning down the path.]

[Her assessment would be mostly correct-- it's nothing personal, simply that Richard still isn't all that comfortable with being touched by anyone outside of a few select people. But he does appreciate the gesture all the same, a sentiment he'll express in a soft smile when she finally does pull away. Then, when she walks away, he'll return that wave before he too turns to head back home.]

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