puppycrush2 | week one

[ He is just a baby boy who wants to do the right thing!!

But he brightens when it seems like Mark Gets it because that's really all he wanted, to be understood. So, he smiles brightly and nods in return. ]

We gotta believe that, right? Otherwise, what's the point? You start thinkin' the world's out to get ya, or that it's cruel on purpose, and then you'll never have hope.

[ He looks at Mark a little, catching the weakness of the smile but he won't push. He just hopes what he's saying resonates with Mark. Things have to be tough being a normal person in a superhero world, he couldn't imagine it. ]

Yeah? We're both still young and we get to shape our lives how we want 'em. I really hope you can figure out how you want to do that, Mark!

[ If his eyes get a little misty no they didn't. ]

No, no, you're right. Man, sometimes it just... feels like there's so much you can do that it's hard to narrow it down, you know? [ there is so much he, specifically, should be able to do... ] So I think your philosophy on starting small is just. It's a really good one. Maybe it'll lead to something bigger, but doing the little things is good too, like you said. It... keeps you hopeful.

[ A little exhale. whew!! This got to be a lot, not that he's complaining. It feels good to talk it out. ]

Even being here is a part of that, right? I mean, getting to meet you... But also we all have the chance to make someone's life here a little happier. That's a good thing, too.

[ Oh, Mark!! Ryuji feels like hugging him, honestly, but that might be a little weird. So, he just claps him on the shoulder and smiles brightly back at him. ]

Yeah, exactly! If we're all just a little good to each other here, we get to take it back to where we're from and do good there too. It just... it makes it easier. Digestible. Feels like shit isn't so hard as a result.

[ But he's also well aware this conversation got a little heavy so he tries to think of a way to pivot. ]

If you had to choose something to be, what'd you choose? And superhero doesn't count!

[ He says it, joking, and doesn't realize how it might come off at all. ]

[ Beams right back at the shoulder clap. Buddy!! And nods along at Ryuji's sense of doing good... They're so on the same page here, it's just, it's nice to be around someone like him.

That question, though... Mark's smile slowly fades, replaced with a more thoughtful expression. What would he choose to be... that isn't a superhero... the thing he's been dreaming of for most of his life...

... ]

Um, maybe a— [ don't say cop, dumbass— ] firefighter, or something? I'm pretty fit and I wouldn't mind rushing into danger if it meant saving someone, so... yeah, maybe that! A firefighter!

But I mean, I'm still gonna go to university, so maybe something will come up there. We still got a lot of time to figure out what we want, right? What about you, did you have anything specific in mind?

[ They're both just... good boys! And Ryuji really appreciates being around someone who has the same sense of good as he does. It's nice. It's really nice.

The answer that comes? It doesn't really surprise him. Mark does give the vibe of like... public... good. He doesn't want to say cop either because he doesn't trust cops, but if cops were good, Mark would be one of them. So, firefighter is a little more palatable for Ryuji. ]

That's a good one! People always need 'em and they really help a lot.

But going to school is def gonna help. Maybe you'll come outta there wantin' to be a doctor or lawyer or somethin' crazy like that.

[ For him though? He looks thoughtful as well, before a little shy. ]

I kinda thought about this 'cuz of my situation but I think it'd be cool to be a physical therapist? And help people learn their bodies again. I helped my friend train his body a while back to be more fit and it kind of got me thinking. But I'm not really that smart, so it'd take a lot to get there.

[ An embarrassed little laugh. ]

I'm not that smart either, so I'm not sure if I could be a doctor or a lawyer. But as long as I'm helping people then I'm happy.

[ Oh, that shyness though. Time to boost his bro up. ]

A physical therapist would be so cool for you, though. That's really one way of paying it forward. I know we haven't known each other that long, but it feels like it suits you, you know? You already know what it feels like, and you're really easy to get along with and encouraging, which I'm sure people need when they're going through that. And that's like... a big thing you could do for so many people. Maybe not big in the grand scheme of things, but huge for them.

[ oh...! he's boosted...! Ryuji looks a little touched at Mark's words and he feels his heart flip in his chest. Thank you, man. That encouragement means a lot. ]

You really think so...? That means a lot. I haven't really told a lotta people about this idea 'cuz I'm just kind of... working on it. In my head. But hearing that is really nice. Thanks, Mark. You really are great to talk to.

[ Mark's turn to be touched and feel his heart flutter a little... Who knew that being nice to someone would result in them being so nice to you in return. It really is the philosophy of the little things put into action, right here and now. ]

Ah... [ rubs the back of his neck, a little awkward, but still grinning at him. ] Thanks, man. I... I try.

But I think your heart's in the right place, so you should totally go for it. When you're ready, I mean, but you definitely should.

week one | overflow

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject