APPOINTMENTS POST

[ledbythewind]

This post can be used to thread with or get in contact with Richard at any point when he doesn't have a post up! Just comment here (please use the format [Action, June 24th], [Voice, March 5th], etc. to make it clear when the thread is taking place and what type of thread it is) for a thread with him; if it's a continuation of another thread or post, please link that so I remember the context of the thread.

GO NUTS.

Comments

[Action, May 12]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard's first instinct is to extend a hand for her to grab if she wants-- but if she'd rather get to her feet on her own, that's fine too. He's not going to push anything, not right now when he's got a pretty good idea of what she must be feeling. Guilt, the sense that she doesn't deserve kindness from others... he's felt all of these things and more himself. And he also knows that just kind words from others aren't enough to make those feelings go away; it will take more than that, but it needs to come from within. Hypocritical, perhaps, since he still hasn't quite worked through his own guilt, but at least he's aware of it.]

It's not a bother at all.

[Action, May 12]

[i_am_not_cute]

[Pao-Lin clasps Richard's hand when he holds it out to her, using the grip to help herself up. But once she's on her feet, she unconsciously clings to his hand for a moment longer, a little surprised by the comfort that the contact brings her. She's suddenly struck with the desire for a hug -- from any friend, not just Richard in particular. She just wants to be warm and safe again, not cold and lonely.

But of course she can't just very well ask for a hug, can she? That seems a little silly and childish to her, to say nothing of her belief that it's something she doesn't deserve.

Still, when she does let go of Richard's hand, she smiles up at him, albeit a bit weakly.]

Let's get going, then?


((OOC: We could probably end this with Richard's next comment or so!))

[Action, May 12]

[ledbythewind]

[Fortunately Richard notes that Pao-Lin doesn't seem to be in any hurry to let go of his hand and doesn't move to pull it away until she lets go on her own, instead giving it a very soft squeeze of encouragement and reassurance. In fact, if she'd wanted to keep her hand in his for the walk back, he wouldn't have objected at all. Isamu does that for him often enough that he's gotten used to the idea and isn't bothered by it anymore, especially not when it's so obviously a platonic thing.

Alas, he's not the sort to initiate hugs on his own, so Pao-Lin's silent wish for a hug will go unanswered. But he'll meet that smile with one of his own and nod to her before turning towards the path home, casting a glance over his shoulder to make sure she's going to follow.]

Yes, let's.

[And he'll lead the way at whatever pace she wants.]

(OOC: Sure!)