If there's one thing I tell myself, it's that if something happened once, it can happen again—even if it manifests in a different form than what you'd expect. Our friendship is kind of an example of that, yeah? I never thought we'd start talking again, let alone sit here having conversations like this.

[ for someone who usually dodges his own problems, it's almost funny how directly he's facing this one. being with thorns again comes with its own highs and lows, but at least this madness is different from the kind they'd have in a toxic, codependent mess. there's the dawning realisation that this isn't sustainable—and unlike a version of them that might've clung to each other out of desperation, there's the real risk that if they keep going like this, his worst fear will come true: that they'll end up holding each other back from happiness.

so, he has to be better. for him, for thorns. isn't that why he wants to see his girlfriend? so he can feel comforted that he's managed to move on? ]

… I don't know if what I have now is it, or if what comes next will be, but I've decided it's a feeling worth chasing. That's all you can really do. Chase it on your own time, and if it comes, it comes.

[ his hand stills on the dial of the car radio, and after a moment, he turns it off. ]

It's nothing to rush yourself over. Nothing good comes out of being unprepared, anyway. Just know I'll be here. Whatever shape it takes, whatever you decide it is… I'll be supporting you.

[ elysium hinge era real ]