Theater Kid's March Comes in Like a Lion

[thestarknows]

⭐ Who: Junna Hoshimi... and you!
⭐ When: Throughout March!
⭐ Where: In Yumemigaoka!
⭐ What: March catch-all!
⭐ Warnings: Junna's grappling with some heavy stuff, so... threads could get into parents not being great, some homophobia, and other things. There's also some implicit sleeping together (nothing NSFW though) in the Lisa and Junna thread, if that's a thing you prefer to avoid!

Comments

[olruggio]

Probably for the best. You went through a lot in there.

[a yawn, though he tries to cut it short when she apologizes. With a slightly annoyed tone;] Why are you apologizing?

[he rubs the bridge of his nose then holds up a hand in a 'stop' gesture]

Let me grab a coffee first, then we'll talk about this.

[the look of "I don't get paid for this" on his face as he shuffles over to grab a black coffee...]

[thestarknows]

I'm taking their advice on that. [She nods at him, and then she looks at him -- her eyes widening a little at the 'stop' gesture. She didn't quite expect that, but--

Well...]

R-Right. Coffee might be good. [She has her tea, after all. She has a sip, while she waits.

Which gives her a moment to think of why she apologized.]

[olruggio]

[paper cup with coffee in hand - it's a testament to the people at the book fair that Olruggio's gruff 'thanks' doesn't even cause them to bat an eye - he steps over to make his drink palatable by adding a dash of cream and probably too much sugar. He's not even bothering to hide it, he just wants the sugar and caffeine.

Sipping on the sweet concoction, Olruggio looks a little more revitalized when he shuffles back]

Right. [sip... Then he pauses with the cup raised for a second... Then two... Did he forget what they were talking about?] Where were we?

[yup]

[thestarknows]

[It takes Junna a second to realize that Olruggio really did forget what they were talking about. She stares in mild disbelief for a moment -- and then she shakes her head. Well... maybe that means he isn't as disappointed in her as she worried. She hesitates, still.]

I... wanted to say thank you, for saving me, in the Disturbance. And... that I'm sorry. For--for not listening to you better. And... for what it put you through.

[She looks awkward, for a second, then she does a short bow.]

I-I'm very grateful.

[olruggio]

[another slow, tired sip of his coffee... Then he hums in acknowledgement]

I am a Saver, this would be considered part of my job. [stare...] No need to bow, it is what it is. We've all been a similar position before, just you against the world... Or so it feels.

Have you taken time to consider the words I said to you last time?

[thestarknows]

I know. But... you still helped save me, whether it was part of your job or not.

[She's always going to be -- as he put it -- overdramatic. It comes with being a theater kid. Even if she's an adult now.

She shifts her posture, a little, though, as she stands up straight. There's a moment of hesitation -- it's still a lot to remember -- and then, Junna nods. Her expression turns a little regretful.]

...Yes. About not shouldering everything myself. And... what it caused.

[olruggio]

That's right.

[he's going to keep thinking of her as a kid for a while yet... Case in point, he waits a second or two before adding;]

And about knowing to ask for help. Do you really think that all adults manage their problems solely on their own? That's not maturity, that's just hubris. Once you get that strong, then you can start acting like Chaosbringer.

[pause...]

I take that back. Don't act like Chaosbringer, you are fine as you are.

[thestarknows]

Well... [She glances to the side for a second, looking embarrassed.]

I know adults have to ask for help. I--ah-- [She looks back at him, then she shakes her head.] I was worried about disappointing everyone. Or... being a burden. And some... um. Other problems, with my parents.

[There's a beat, then she gets a slight smile.]

Olruggio-san, I like and respect Chaosbringer, but I don't think I'm cut out to act like him.

[olruggio]

[a pause]

Is everything all right at home? We probably have a program or support available at the DU if there's anything happening that you need help with.

One person can't be expected to carry all the burdens in the world, and knowing when to ask for help is part of gaining maturity. It's not a personal failing to be unable to manage everything on your own.

[he huffs slightly in laughter] ... None of us are, really. That man is the picture of... How do the kids put it? He's simply "built different".

[thestarknows]

Ah...

[Junna hesitates for a second. She looks to the side. It's not that she doesn't trust him, or even that she doesn't want to speak of it. But despite making a decision, this is something that's still not really resolved for her. She hasn't made any real progress.] ...My parents want me to be a Dreamer. I want to, too, but--they want me to focus on it. Over acting, and... everything really.

[Then, quieter, and looking back at him and carefully gauging his reaction:] I've also... I'm in a relationship with Lisa. And--ah--they don't... know who I'm inclined to be with. And I'm not sure they'll understand. I never told them, and I'm still working up how, and... if it goes badly, that might be that.

[So, yes: problems with her family.

After a moment, though, she cracks a smile.] Yes. Just so, built different.

[olruggio]

I see...

Thank you for trusting me with that information. Considering what you just went through... [pointed look] It's not an easy thing to do.

[Olruggio doesn't even bat an eye at the comment about her relationship with Lisa... It'd be hypocritical if he did, even though he'd call his own relationship ambiguous and they were 'roommates'. But he thinks on it carefully]

I've seen circumstances like yours before... And, simply put, there's never really a 'right' answer for everyone. Sometimes the only choice you have is to pick the one you feel you can live with. [he heaves a disappointed sigh] Really, it's on the parents to make sure their children feel comfortable enough to go to them for help.

What do you wish to do? [a wry smile] Unfortunately, 'everything' is not an acceptable answer.

[thestarknows]

It's... yeah. It's not easy. [Junna looks down for a second. She'd made her decision already. But it's different to put it in words to someone else. She takes a moment.

It's no surprise there's no right answer for everyone. And he seems to get it.]

If I have to choose, I'd choose her. I mean... I'd choose myself. I know we're young and things happen.

But if they aren't going to accept that I'd want to be with her, they're not going to accept me for who I am. [Quieter, then:] But, it's a... it's a conversation I'm nervous about having with them. To say the least.

[olruggio]

[his expression hardens for a moment at Junna's slip up but softens when she corrects herself. At least she's learned better. Now's just a matter of properly internalizing it]

It's not an easy conversation to have with anyone, let alone people as close to you as your parents. Taking your time with it is only natural... Honestly, I'd be more concerned if you were raring to go.

You've got a good head on your shoulders. [a sip of coffee] You just need to stop overburdening those shoulders of yours with everything else.

[thestarknows]

That's... good. I've worried I'm putting it off, but... no, you're right. I need to think about it, and approach it the right way. [Junna nods her head, her expression thoughtful for a second. Even if the right way is making sure she's ready, and not putting so much on her plate that she rushes a conversation that could have an enormous impact on the rest of her life.

She looks back up at him. There's a smile -- though, she looks a little embarrassed.]

Thanks. I, um... I'm trying to ask for help more. And... trying to learn to say no, too.

[olruggio]

There's a difference between avoiding something and taking your time with it. [smile] You're a smart girl though, I'm sure you're able to make the distinction yourself without me explaining it.

One of the best ways to learn is to make mistakes. Though...

[he chuckles quietly]

Even if you hope to pursue a career in theatre, I think you can afford to scale back a little on the dramatics.

[thestarknows]

Mm. Thank you. I'll do my best. But, ah... [She's quiet for a moment.] ...I'll remember to ask for help though.

[Then, Junna grins a bit. Sorry, Olruggio. The theater kid is gonna theater kid.]

Alas. "The play's the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king."

[olruggio]

Har har. [he raises his free hand in surrender] Let it not be said I didn't at least try.

[there's a smile from over the rim of his paper cup at that]

[thestarknows]

[That gets a laugh out of Junna.]

It was a noble effort.