sparkstrikes | empatheias IC contact. (archive)

[Is this Caius trying to turn over a new leaf right here???

Lightning is trying to do the same, in a different sort of way, but it's not easy for people like them; people who have a hard time opening up, or letting others help. As much as she hates to admit it...]

Start by trying to live for yourself. It's not just about surviving anymore.

[There aren't threats here. No fal'Cie or Gods to tell them what to do, and Caius isn't even that much of a concern here. It's a lot easier to focus on other things when their first instincts aren't to just get past the day without a scratch from trying to take their enemies down a peg or two.]

That is easier said than done.

[ Then again, who ever said anything in life was easy in the first place? The two of them knew just how terrible life could be, and just how many curve balls it could throw at a single person. ]

When you live for someone else for so long, it's not easy to pull away from that mindset.

I did.

[It took a lot of work, and sometimes she still has troubles remembering that she needs to do more for herself and to stop worrying so much about others, but it's in her nature. She grew up looking out for Serah and only Serah that now, she's trying to figure out how to look out for herself, too.

And if Lightning can, she believes that maybe Caius can, too. They've both got about the same levels of stubbornness....]

Find something else you love and pour your heart into it.

[Or someone... If Caius is even capable of that.]

It feels... very strange to get encouragement from you.

[ It couldn't be pity. She didn't have enough feelings toward him to even consider pity, and he really didn't think she was that type of person either. ]

Find something else... who knew that a concept so simple would be the biggest trial...

[Lightning gets to her feet and folds her arms again, huffing in a 'you didn't have to point it out' kind of way. It was a matter of time before the moment was ruined by one of them... Lightning turns so that she's facing away from him entirely and shakes her head.]

Yeah, well... that part's up to you.

[She can't help him with that. If he truly wants to find a way to live happily ever after here, it's up to him and only him to find whatever that thing is. Wanting to change things is the very first step and if it took Lightning as long as it did for her, then she wonders how long it will take for Caius. It's none of her business, though.]

I gotta head back. It's late.

[ He gives her a small nod. He's taken up enough of her time, and he got the answers he wanted, at least for the most part. Even a little extra he wasn't expecting. ]

It feels strange wishing you a "good evening" so I will just leave with a rare sentiment of gratitude instead.

[ He doesn't turn to meet her gaze and instead just starts walking off. Where was he heading to? It was hard to tell. He wouldn't tell anyone where he was "living" anyway. He does pause briefly as if to say something else, but whatever it was he just ignored and kept on walking. ]

empatheias IC contact. (archive)

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