[...Okay. Okay, she can do this. Deep breath. Maybe she can build up to it?]
You're a really important friend to me. I feel like I can talk to you about anything without being worried that you'll judge me, even if it's something that I feel like I should be able to handle it myself. And I like spending time with you and doing things together, and I like being near you even when we're not doing anything. And I care about you and I want you to be happy, and I would definitely do anything I could to help if you ever needed it.
[All of that is easy enough to say. She's past the point where those things would scare her.]
[Shadow lets Evangeline talk. She's rambling a little but she isn't going in circles, at least. He's gotten more used to this thanks to fluffy Sonic. Then she trips on her words. Silently, he reaches out to take her hand in his and gives it a comforting squeeze. He nods once, signaling to take her time and whatever it is, she can say it to him. At her own pace.]
[Shadow's eyes widen. He stares at Evangeline for a moment. Then he stands on the couch and pulls her into a hug. He presses her face into his chest fluff and pets her hair.]
I had never given the ideas of physical intimacy a second thought until you taught me about them. Until you helped me to learn how good it could feel. Because of you...Sonic is my boyfriend. That wouldn't have happened without you.
[He hugs her back. It is strange being so open, so vulnerable, but if he can't be vulnerable with Evangeline, who could he be vulnerable with? Especially when she too is vulnerable and open right now. Perhaps the most she's ever been, and that's including with the mind control potion.]
I am too. ...It has been a long time since I could say I was happy. I am happy here. You are a part of that happiness. Remember that.
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Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 09:40 pm (UTC)[Evangeline is sitting on the couch, trying not to fidget. She pats the spot next to her.]
Thank you for coming.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 09:42 pm (UTC)[He walks over and takes the spot next to her.]
You are welcome. What did you wish to speak about?
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 09:48 pm (UTC)You're a really important friend to me. I feel like I can talk to you about anything without being worried that you'll judge me, even if it's something that I feel like I should be able to handle it myself. And I like spending time with you and doing things together, and I like being near you even when we're not doing anything. And I care about you and I want you to be happy, and I would definitely do anything I could to help if you ever needed it.
[All of that is easy enough to say. She's past the point where those things would scare her.]
What I'm trying to say is, I... I...
[Just say it. Just spit it out, Evangeline.]
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 09:51 pm (UTC)Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 09:54 pm (UTC)I... I really - really love you.
[She looks like she's on the verge of tears, but she said it.]
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 09:59 pm (UTC)I care deeply for you too.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 10:04 pm (UTC)That was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 10:08 pm (UTC)And now that you've said it? How do you feel now?
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 10:14 pm (UTC)Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 10:17 pm (UTC)Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-02 10:20 pm (UTC)[Deep breaths, and more nuzzling into Shadow's chest fur.]
You're the first friend I've said that to. -Obviously Rinku doesn't count, that's different.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-07 04:59 pm (UTC)[His chest fur seems to have this calming affect on multiple people. He doesn't understand it but he can use it nonetheless.]
Being emotionally vulnerable can be frightening. It is understandable.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-07 05:18 pm (UTC)[She knows he's strong, but no one is invincible. Not even the Ultimate Lifeform.]
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:28 pm (UTC)[Yes, he isn't invincible. But he is basically immortal.]
I don't age. You won't lose me to time. I'll always be here for you, Evangeline.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:36 pm (UTC)[Ellipsa could still lose its grip on him, but she can just - try not to think about that, she guesses.]
I'm so lucky I met you.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:38 pm (UTC)I am fortunately I met you too. I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:42 pm (UTC)[She cuts herself off. No, self-esteem, she's working on this.]
I mean - thank you.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:43 pm (UTC)I had never given the ideas of physical intimacy a second thought until you taught me about them. Until you helped me to learn how good it could feel. Because of you...Sonic is my boyfriend. That wouldn't have happened without you.
So thank you, Evangeline.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:46 pm (UTC)She hugs Shadow tightly.]
I'm glad you're happy.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:49 pm (UTC)I am too. ...It has been a long time since I could say I was happy. I am happy here. You are a part of that happiness. Remember that.
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-12 04:57 pm (UTC)I think... I think I feel better than before I said anything. I think this helped.
[It was still absolutely terrifying. But if emotional vulnerability leads to hearing how she's important to other people too... Maybe it's worth it?]
Re: post-network, post-emotionshare
Date: 2025-03-20 02:10 am (UTC)wrapup!
Date: 2025-03-20 07:29 pm (UTC)