"I'll never know who I could'a been if they hadn't made me into this."
WE ARE WEAPONS THAT WEEP , @westwild.
BROWN EYES GAZE OVER TO THE OUTLAW: not in pity, but in commiseration. Hotaru is no stranger to the abject cruelty of the world & its various circumstances, nor pondering the endless probabilities that rattle around in their mind. It's the what ifs & what could have beens that ensnare them: a rabbit hole they cannot allow themself to fall down, a rotten thing that burrows into chest & mind, hollows them out until only heartache remains. The past may remain etched in stone , but the true gift of life lies within the present. It's with this thought that the scientist picks up another rock & sends it whizzing through the air: into that setting Sandrock sun, like it would somehow change both of their fates if Hotaru could hit it.
" if it's any consolation ---- " the scientist begins - gentle, but almost hesitant: like they're two steps away from saying something stupid, again. " --- even if i don't know all the details of what happened to you . . . i still think that you deserved better." The exhale that leaves them is measured: trying to steel themself , to settle their nerves as they turn to look the yakboy in the eyes. ( Truly, the most terrifying thing they can do. ) " & despite many technological advancements, i fear there are presently no time machines or ways to view alternate realities, should they exist. all we can do is choose to move forward with the knowledge of the past."
A gloved hand hesitates, before settling against his shoulder - an attempt to comfort their research partner, despite the fear that it'd be too much. Overkill, as it were. " but if you want my professional opinion---" ( & the doctor smiles, voice dipping into a rather silly whisper, warm & gentle as always ) "based on all of my available knowledge, you are a good person, logan. you're reliable, your company is enjoyable, & you've put yourself at a great amount of risk to help me in my research. & at the end of the day, i think i am rather lucky to know you. also --- " They hold up a finger - ducking down to swipe another rock before promptly pressing it into the outlaw's palm with a small chuckle, "based on that same knowledge? i can't see a reality where that isn't the case."
