[IC threading: sending up the mama bear signal]

[highspeedo]

[about an hour after A Certain Event, someone's getting a distressing text message]

Mako-chan! Come to the cabin ASAP (ლ `Д ́)ლ this is a matter of LIFE AND DEATH

Comments

[highspeedo]

That's not the problem...!

[breachedwhale]

You don't have to answer me. You just need to know that answer for yourself. For when you see Rei next.

[highspeedo]

[blinks again, like he's not following]

[breachedwhale]

[ shifts to take Nagisa's hands in his own ]

Think about how you felt with what happened with Rei. With everything you've been through with Rei. You're the only one that knows how you feel and you need to respond to his feelings. If you're not sure right now, that's okay, but you need to tell him that. For both of you. It's okay if you need time to figure things out.

[highspeedo]

It's Rei-chan! Of course I like him.

[breachedwhale]

That kind of like?

[highspeedo]

[without even a hint of embarrassment]

Mm-hm.

[breachedwhale]

Then you should let him know, the next time you see him. So there aren't any misunderstandings. I don't want to see either of you hurt.

[highspeedo]

[looking a little guilty]

I only didn't say anything because I never thought he'd be interested, you know? He told Gou-chan he'd never do something so "illogical" and everything...

[breachedwhale]

Now you know things have changed. It's okay, Nagisa. It's hard to figure these things out. Besides, you've still got time to take care of things now. I know that feeling of not expecting anything, though. You shouldn't feel bad.

[highspeedo]

Poor Rei-chan...!

[breachedwhale]

Rei didn't say anything directly either, though.

[highspeedo]

He was probably scared! He's going to think I hate him or something, stupid Rei-chan—I have to tell him!

[pats his pockets, looking for his phone]

[breachedwhale]

[ nods in support ]

And if you need anything from me, I'm here to support you, Nagisa.

[highspeedo]

[pauses, about to send Rei a message]

—So I have the captain's blessing, right?

[breachedwhale]

[ soft smile at that ]

And on a personal level.

[highspeedo]

Just double checking! That's the kind of thing he'd worry about, and—there!

[hits send]

[highspeedo]

[... except Rei's phone beeps from across the room, where it's in the jacket he abandoned in his hurry to FLEE]

[breachedwhale]

[ looks over at that sound ]

There aren't a lot of places he can go here. We can both go look for him.

[highspeedo]

... It's okay.

[breachedwhale]

You're worried about this, though, aren't you?

[highspeedo]

Of course I am! But I...

[trails off, looking down at his hands]

[breachedwhale]

[ places his hand on Nagisa's showing that support, prompting him to continue that statement ]

[highspeedo]

... What if he didn't mean it? He needs time to think about it, too, right?

[breachedwhale]

But you said he might have the wrong impression. What if he comes to conclusions based on not know how you feel?

Rin and I have come to a lot of misunderstandings because we weren't properly communicating. The same goes for me and Haru. I'm sure Rin and Haru have had that happen, too.

I don't want to see that happen between you two. You don't need to pressure him for answers, but at least tell him how you feel. So he can think about that.