( that. may be it, when it all comes down to it, the things that are left in the dark when there are more important things to attend to; you never think about yourself, what you need when there are others that need more ardently, when there are always things a couple of steps ahead of your own well-being that it's easy enough to leave it to the wayside, worry about anything else first.

and it isn't that shiro forgets himself, or that he doesn't care about his own well-being. it's just always been that he's more considerate of others that need guidance, that he's always wanted to be the hand that guides them, and in the absence of all of that … well, he's just like them, isn't he? in need of some assistance, some guidance, sometimes?

so. this chance meeting, even if it could have been under better circumstances, is a good thing. a nice thing. and he's definitely going to remember it once they're gotten themselves out of here.

( yikes, we didn't mean to get so deep about that. moving right along, before we write a thousand words of introspection that have nothing to do with anything. )

there's always going to be a layer of kindness draped over every other part of him, because above all else, that's how he tends to want to present himself; kind eyes, soft smile, the sort of things that make him approachable but beyond that — no, beneath that are the things that have made him older beyond his years, the kind of responsibility and obligation that makes him seem so tired, but he keeps right on going. it's just the kind of image he's projected for longer than he can remember, and even if he might try to joke that all that white was natural?

if only that were true.

he nods at what she says next, because that is probably the most accurate thing he's heard so far re: what they're even supposed to be doing here; he hadn't come into this with any knowledge at all of what was expected of him, but he supposes now, looking at where he's found himself that that might have been the whole point, and it's. disconcerting in the sort of way that makes him think there might not actually be a way out of this, but. he's not about to give in to that sort of pessimism when they've only just gotten started on their escape.

his new friend here is making pretty good headway, too. so he isn't about to discount her efforts just because he's unsure of how they're going to proceed.

but: ) They haven't caught me yet, so I'm still in the clear. ( a beat. ) Having about as much fun as can be expected while in chains. ( you're fired.

from everything. that's it. we're done with you.

but it's been — more than good, more than effective in keeping his anxiety in check and it would have been reassuring to know that he's been the same kind of presence for her; one never goes into a simulation expecting to make a new friend in the interim, but once they're out of this, maybe they'll have to take a chance at having a normal conversation that doesn't revolve around trying to escape from the lizard man's lair.

and so: ) That's where I've seen you before. ( his eyes are practically glittering with general amusement, and it's almost like they aren't about to be taken off to their deaths with the way they crinkle at the very corners as he watches her work, relaxed but not so taken with the camaraderie that he forgets his surroundings, glancing around as she leans over his knee ( no forgiveness needed, trust ) and works on getting him free as well. finally. ) I'm a big fan. Think I could get your autograph when we're out of here?

( … why are you like this. )