November catch-all ♫

[traceofeffort]

⭐ Who: Lisa and ticketed attendees- wait, no, she didn't issue tickets, it's just everyone.
⭐ When: November, perhaps with backdated stuff as needed?
⭐ Where: Around town! Maybe in the Dream Sphere too, we'll see where things take us.
⭐ What: A certain bassist has Some Things on her mind and may require distractions. She still hasn't entirely wound down from the last Disturbance, but there are some... other issues also cropping up.
⭐ Warnings: Lisa-typical spirals, though it might be a bit worse than usual this month... Otherwise check headers, but should be fine.

Comments

[greaterspeed]

Hah! The first part is always to recognize that there's a problem! Or so I've heard. But even if you can't stop worrying, you just need to figure out how to unwind yourself afterwards. [wink] This isn't a multiple choice quiz so there's no harm in trying out different things.

[he's here to hold people accountable! ... Probably]

Hehe~ [there's a toothy grin at that. Guilty as charged, it seems] Gotta keep people on their toes somehow~

But even I find time to unwind. It just so happens that running around is my version of relaxing.

[traceofeffort]

Then I guess I'll just have to keep trying things and see what works. I let myself get too caught up in things that are supposed to be relaxing... well, I'll manage. [She shakes her head, before giving him a wry smile.] In an emergency, I know one person who'll be able to help. I just need to not burden her too much.

[Lisa lets out a breath, letting herself fall bonelessly back against the bench.]

Speaking of destressing, though, I think I needed someone to vent to for a bit. I'm sorry you had to be the one to deal with it, but I'm definitely not sorry I did it. I... do feel a little better.

[greaterspeed]

Why are you apologizing? We're friends, right? And hey, I'm the one who asked for the tea. So really, if there's anyone here who we're going to blame...

[he takes a dramatic sip of what remains of his soda to emphasize]

Sometimes, it's easier to carry things around when you have someone to share it with. [and sometimes, you're a free spirit like Nikki, who doesn't seem to have anything weighing his heart down] But don't forget; it's okay to ask for help too.

Mom's used to me coming back at weird times so we can stay out here as long as you want... Or at least before the last train leaves for the night.

[traceofeffort]

[Lisa laughs; it's not as broken a sound as some of the ones she was making earlier this evening, so that's probably a good sign.]

It's habit, I think. I'm not really... used to leaning on people, and so when I need help, I tend to see it as a failure on my part. But I'm learning. I'll get there. I just really need to not... let it get this bad, I guess.

[As he offers for her to stay longer, she looks at the drink in her hand, then at the last dregs of natural light fading from the sky, before turning back to him with a sad smile.]

No, I better get home. I don't really want to go, but I need to. I've got homework I should take a look at, if nothing else. But... thanks, Nikki. I appreciate you- no. [Marshalling her emotions, the look on her face turns into something warmer, more true.] I'm really glad you stopped to ask after me.

[greaterspeed]

I'll let you in on a little secret...

[Nikki leans in, raising his (mostly empty) can of soda up to act as a wall for... Secrecy? Not that it helps any when he's talking to her in the loudest possible stage whisper]

Knowing when to ask for help is the hardest part.

[he gives her a cheerful smile]

Hey, no problem. [comes the easy going Engrish] What can I say? You looked like you need a hand and I'm always happy to lend an ear. [a small salute]

Let me know what you're good to go. I'll walk you back to the station.

[traceofeffort]

Oh, I absolutely know that. I always have. Just... pride, I guess. Whatever of that I have left. [There's no discomfort in her tone at that. Just... acceptance.] I think... needing to be better for someone else helps.

[She finishes her au lait, twisting the top back on, and lightly tosses the bottle at the trash can next to the bench... which bounces off the rim twice and falls to the ground. Lisa watches with a snort, standing up to grab it and toss it in, not sitting back down after. She stretches with a soft groan, glancing at Nikki with a smile, if one a little less playful.]

My problems won't get any better by running away from them... [A pause.] Well. This specific problem won't get better unless I actively do something about it. That something... might look like running away, but it's gotta be something more than that.

[greaterspeed]

[Nikki shrugs one shoulder and downs the rest of his soda]

The important part is that it works for you.

[there's a momentary pause before he's hopping back a couple of steps. Then he's tossing his empty soda can like a basketball into the trash. It's unnecessarily showy, more so when the can lands in the trash bin with a hollow clatter. Nothing but net.

He lets his arms swing as he drops them from their previous position, easygoing smile on his face]

Whether it's running away from something or running straight towards it! If it gets you where you need to go, then that's what you need to do.

C'mon! [he motions for her to follow him] Let's get going before it gets too dark.

[traceofeffort]

[Lisa's smile is amused as Nikki takes home the basketball world championship, a soft chuckle escaping.]

Then maybe I need to take up free-running, so I can deal with my problems head-on. Or aggressively not deal with them. Hard to say, really. [She nods.] Right behind you, Nikki.