[Seasons] Inbox; un: jean

[rustyhonesty]

INBOX text / audio / video / action Jean here. I can't answer my phone right now so leave a message. code credit

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[rustyhonesty]

Stop.

[That's the quickest answer he's done this time, just that one word. For Reiner to stop spiraling.]

There was physically no way you could have been there. It's in no way your fault. So don't you dare take the blame! It's my burden to bear alone.

[Not even Hijikata's or Mukuro's. Just his.]

I'm not going to die. I'm not going to get hurt. I faced the werewolves already, I can't be afraid of a place.

I'm going, and that's it.

[He hates how the conversation turned on him again. Not that it was any better before.]

[hometown]

[ "Stop," Jean writes. And for a long moment, Reiner does so. He sits still, his head bowed, a hand half-covering his face. He reads Jean's next message as it arrives, clinging to the words. They're logical; they make sense. Yet it takes effort for Reiner to process them—and a part of him simply can't.

Because Reiner will always shoulder the blame, whether it's logical or not. He will pile one burden after another upon his back, trudging forward as the weight of the entire world bears down, slowly crushing him.

He doesn't know how to be any other way.

But he wants to believe that Jean will be safe. He wants to believe that nothing will happen to his friend. He wants to. ]

I'll be right there. [ This time. ] If there's something you can't face, call to me.

[ Reiner will protect Jean. This time.

A moment later: ]

If you're wrong, I'm wrapping you head to toe in that Protective Wrap from Riki's, whether you like it or not.

[rustyhonesty]

I know. And I'm grateful that you have my back.

[It's very reassuring. He really did think they'd have difficulties from now on, but it seems like he was being stupid, avoiding Reiner without needing to. Losing precious time with a friend.

(How about you listen to Marco sometimes.)

Jean can't help but laugh a bit at the last remark. Mostly through the mental image. It's a much needed laugh though, to counter the heavy feeling.]

Piss off. You'd need to catch me first.

[Catch, because he wouldn't be able to fight Reiner off and he knows that.

But, he does need to comment on something a little more seriously.]

I want to see you before the mission, though. To hang out.

If you're really fine with that.

["I miss hanging out with you" is left unsaid, but is implied.]

[hometown]

[ This time, Reiner's small smile holds some humor, tension easing from his shoulders. ]

Yeah. I'd really like that.

[ I've missed you, too. ]