[He knew Seto was important to her, given how much she talks about him. How she's learning to whistle on a blade of grass for him. How she asked Ichimatsu to make onigiri for him. How everything, all avenues of her joy, inevitably lead back to Seto. But studying the soft, saddened look in her eyes, it occurs to Ichimatsu that he might have underestimated just how important Seto is. As much of a loner as he's always been, he's had his brothers. Five of them. She's... maybe he's wrong, but it sounds like she's only ever had Seto.]
[Heh.]
[At his worst, Ichimatsu is a jealous and vindictive man. He's the sort of vile person who interrupts happy couples for existing in the same vicinity as him; the kind of guy who whispers curses under his breath at his own brother for daring to project more confidence than he himself is capable of. It would be easy to imagine that, inevitably, he'll lose to Seto - to some guy he's never even met. He'll come for her, and she'll forget all about Ichimatsu, and she'll be so much better off.]
[It would be easy, but for once in his worthless life, Ichimatsu isn't jealous at all.]
[Because maybe she's felt the way he has before, sunk in an unidentified loneliness. Where there might be someone within reach, but still so far away, as if they're not real and never were - as if surrounded by ghosts. That's been his whole life, and he hates the idea that it might have been hers. So if it isn't anymore...]
[He's happy for her. He really is, Ichimatsu realizes with a slow burn of warmth, picking up her hand between his. If she's not lonely that way anymore, then he doesn't care who it is helping her. It doesn't matter if it's Seto or if it's... if it's...]
... me, huh... ?
[It doesn't matter, as long as she's happy now. But it feels nice to be told that.]
[ESP Kitty yawns widely in Ren's lap, kneading his paws against her legs before curling up sleepily. If she allows him to, Ichimatsu gently guides her hand down to ESP's head.]
Well, that's good. But he'll keep you company now, too.
... and... listen.
[Ichimatsu's gaze lingers on the cat for a few seconds. Then he finally looks up at Ren again, his expression softening. He doesn't think she'll end up like him. But, just in case...]
If you do ever feel that way again - lonely, even though you don't have any real reason... that's fine, too. It happens sometimes. Just remember that it isn't true.
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[Heh.]
[At his worst, Ichimatsu is a jealous and vindictive man. He's the sort of vile person who interrupts happy couples for existing in the same vicinity as him; the kind of guy who whispers curses under his breath at his own brother for daring to project more confidence than he himself is capable of. It would be easy to imagine that, inevitably, he'll lose to Seto - to some guy he's never even met. He'll come for her, and she'll forget all about Ichimatsu, and she'll be so much better off.]
[It would be easy, but for once in his worthless life, Ichimatsu isn't jealous at all.]
[Because maybe she's felt the way he has before, sunk in an unidentified loneliness. Where there might be someone within reach, but still so far away, as if they're not real and never were - as if surrounded by ghosts. That's been his whole life, and he hates the idea that it might have been hers. So if it isn't anymore...]
[He's happy for her. He really is, Ichimatsu realizes with a slow burn of warmth, picking up her hand between his. If she's not lonely that way anymore, then he doesn't care who it is helping her. It doesn't matter if it's Seto or if it's... if it's...]
... me, huh... ?
[It doesn't matter, as long as she's happy now. But it feels nice to be told that.]
[ESP Kitty yawns widely in Ren's lap, kneading his paws against her legs before curling up sleepily. If she allows him to, Ichimatsu gently guides her hand down to ESP's head.]
Well, that's good. But he'll keep you company now, too.
... and... listen.
[Ichimatsu's gaze lingers on the cat for a few seconds. Then he finally looks up at Ren again, his expression softening. He doesn't think she'll end up like him. But, just in case...]
If you do ever feel that way again - lonely, even though you don't have any real reason... that's fine, too. It happens sometimes. Just remember that it isn't true.