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[geophile]

"You've reached Steven Stone. Leave a message, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can."

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[geophile]

[ he's silent when it comes to adrien's question, which is an answer in itself - he doesn't agree, because there is at least a fraction of blame to be placed on him. but while the guilt is there, he refuses to have it eat at him.

at least, he's trying not to let it. ]

It's natural to have regrets about past decisions; the uncertainty in the outcomes of our actions is a part of what makes us human. The important thing is that we try our best to learn from them, and make amends to those that we may have hurt along the way.

[ it's something that he's offered to his fellow perished groupmates, of course. but that's not everyone that he has to address. ]

And on that note, you have my sincerest apologies for making you worry again.

[meouch]

[ there's a pensive pause as he takes in steven's words. he always listens attentively, of course, but this time it seems like he's letting the words especially sink in. it's an important topic, not only because steven's offering him advice... but because it also provides him insight into how steven might be handling it.

at the second part, however, there's a shift. and: ]

—You don't need to say sorry for that. It's not like you mean to make me worry or anything... like I said, that you're okay's the most important part.

[ ... ]

... And besides, I know you're strong enough to handle this stuff.

[ mentally. physically, counting all his pokémon. it's his own form of encouragement, more tame than his usual shonen words but still entirely genuine. ]

[geophile]

Still, I feel as though it should be said.

[ there's a pause after he hears adrien's next words, though. it's flattering to hear something like that said about him, but above that... it's heartwarming. he'd like to think that he's strong and reliable, and the fact that adrien sees him as such leads him to believe that he's doing something right. ]

Thank you, Adrien. I'll do everything in my power to continuously meet those expectations.

[meouch]

I think you can do that without even trying.

[ ... ]

I mean, not because they're low or anything, but— you know.

[ he'd be a little more flustered or explain that with more energy, but everyone's a little exhausted right now. he just hopes he gets his point across... that steven doesn't actively need to try to meet those expectations, because he always does. it's just the nature of his being or something. ]

[geophile]

[ that makes him laugh. it's a little more than what adrien might have heard before - it's not complete, but more than just a small chuckle. strength aside, it's nice to hear those words.

it'll be another road to full recovery, but he can already feel things returning to relative normalcy. ]

Yes, I know what you meant. [ he pauses, letting the moment hang for just a second. ] Though now that I'm thinking about it, I think we both deserve a small treat. Would you like to accompany me for lunch once things have settled?

[meouch]

[ ooh. well, more signs of helping steven's mood certainly helps adrien's own, and that invitation to lunch is an additional plus. even if in the midst of a whole lot of emotions piling on him, and the situation not really being addressed... steven somehow finds a way to cheer him up.

and adrien really isn't sure how to express his gratitude for that.

his voice perks up, and: ]

You don't even need to ask.

[ haha. but he honestly really doesn't, adrien's always going to say yes. ]

Just tell me when, and I'm there.

[geophile]

[ while he certainly isn't feeling up to going out at the present moment, a confirmation like that means that he'll be contacting adrien again the day he feels back to normal. it'll help him settle back into routine, and maybe he'll be able to get the full scope of what happened to the younger man when he was taken.

it's not something he'll relentlessly pry into, but he just wants to make sure that adrien is okay, too. ]

I'll keep in touch.

[meouch]

Okay. I'll be right here. For that, and if you need any help with anything. Or, er, just for anything in general.

[ he pauses.

obviously there's another thing he wants to add onto that. ]

... Thanks, Steven.

[ just for everything, though he doesn't outright say that. maybe it's a little sappy and while he does feel a little shy about being so straightforward, it's true. all these things remind him to be grateful for the support and people he's met here, as it does make things easier.

not!dad especially.

so, for sure, he needs to do the same, any way he can. ]