Then the difference is clear already. No contract between my Pokémon and I exists.
[ just good ol' fashioned bonds of friendship here! but that's a story for another day - right now, his focus is on neji and his well-being. they had all met the same fate, but the young man facing him had reached it in a particularly violent way. ]
Very well. But before you do... I feel as though I owe you an apology of my own.
[ there's a pause. ]
I feel as though I am at least in part to blame for what happened to us. I should have used my position to a more practical degree, and I regret not being able to do more.
[That is not comforting. There's a flash in his eyes that implies as much and then it's extinguished- sure, then. A conversation for another day.
Neji's expression remains blank as the man continues. He feels as if he ought to be offended (and he tells himself he's been feeling that a lot. chill, goddamn)- as if he's somehow being treated like a child just by virtue of being younger than Steven. He wouldn't allow an apology of his but he'd issue his own?
...
Neji figures, of all times to pass poor judgement on a man, now wasn't the best.] It's no longer about what we could have done [versus should have, because that's a haunt for the ages.] but about what we do next. [So.] I suspect you know that, so I doubt I have anything else that's appropriate to say. Heal well, Mister Steven.
[He'll see Steven around later so he'll quit while he's ahead. That means he's gone in a puff of smoke the next instant. Nothing personal- the kid just wants to get back to his damn room.]
no subject
[ just good ol' fashioned bonds of friendship here! but that's a story for another day - right now, his focus is on neji and his well-being. they had all met the same fate, but the young man facing him had reached it in a particularly violent way. ]
Very well. But before you do... I feel as though I owe you an apology of my own.
[ there's a pause. ]
I feel as though I am at least in part to blame for what happened to us. I should have used my position to a more practical degree, and I regret not being able to do more.
no subject
Neji's expression remains blank as the man continues. He feels as if he ought to be offended (and he tells himself he's been feeling that a lot. chill, goddamn)- as if he's somehow being treated like a child just by virtue of being younger than Steven. He wouldn't allow an apology of his but he'd issue his own?
...
Neji figures, of all times to pass poor judgement on a man, now wasn't the best.] It's no longer about what we could have done [versus should have, because that's a haunt for the ages.] but about what we do next. [So.] I suspect you know that, so I doubt I have anything else that's appropriate to say. Heal well, Mister Steven.
[He'll see Steven around later so he'll quit while he's ahead. That means he's gone in a puff of smoke the next instant. Nothing personal- the kid just wants to get back to his damn room.]