[Quiet falls over the table for a few long seconds. Oda feels something like guilt, but...no, that really isn't the right word. Maybe it's dread, or maybe it's anger - the keen knowledge that things will change, they will get harder, they may even become terrible, and Sakura...
[He should have someone he can go to.]
Sakura-kun. Let me tell you something.
No matter where you came from, this place is different. Things will get harder. You'll need help.
We all do. It's why we help each other.
So, just remember what I said. If you need something, you can call me. I'm around.
[ sakura has asked for help before. but never on his own behalf. help me, he told them. shishitoren. gravel. roppo ichiza. help me protect the town. where the shopkeepers gave him free food. where they smiled at him. a place where he's not treated with disgust. where he's not bullied or stabbed. where he doesn't need to duck his head down to walk ahead. alone.
this place — he doesn't know the shape of it yet. the people seem nice but different. and he's just ordinary. he's not worth anything to anyone.
he has to be realistic, right? and at least . . . take people by their word. they won't hurt him. surely . . . they won't.
his fingers clench over his pants, a tight grip. ]
[Poor kid. And he is just a kid. But he's not young enough to have his hair ruffled or boo-boos kissed away. All Oda can do is help however he can. If there's one thing he hates about this place, it's that children aren't exempt.]
I don't see it that way. I've been here longer and I know more. It's only right to help where I can.
[ sakura swallows tightly because he is, he is, everyone said so, everyone put him in this box and if he doesn't accept it, how is he going to do anything?
"they'll fail because of you" endo's words hiss in his ear. snakes around his throat. poison dripping from his lips — ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[Now he's confused.]
What would you like my opinion on? I prefer this curry to be a little spicier, if that's what you mean.
no subject
no subject
[What's the problem, here?]
If you want my opinion...
You're just a kid in a strange situation with a lot on your plate. [Figuratively and literally.
[Oda shrugs, sipping his water.]
Why should I tell you what to do?
no subject
I don't — I'm fine! Like I said, I'm used to being alone. There just isn't a lot of kombinis or anything so it was just harder . . .
The magic's stuff new, but nothing's changed.
no subject
[He should have someone he can go to.]
Sakura-kun. Let me tell you something.
No matter where you came from, this place is different. Things will get harder. You'll need help.
We all do. It's why we help each other.
So, just remember what I said. If you need something, you can call me. I'm around.
no subject
this place — he doesn't know the shape of it yet. the people seem nice but different. and he's just ordinary. he's not worth anything to anyone.
he has to be realistic, right? and at least . . . take people by their word. they won't hurt him. surely . . . they won't.
his fingers clench over his pants, a tight grip. ]
Won't I just get in the way?
no subject
I don't see it that way. I've been here longer and I know more. It's only right to help where I can.
no subject
I don't have anything to offer.
[ never mind that sakura would always help and never ask for anything in return. he can't stand receiving the same treatment. ]
no subject
no subject
no subject
[Oda shrugs.]
But I like having conversations with people. It's my favorite thing to do. [Even if he doesn't typically do most of the talking.]
no subject
Some screwup kid who can't cook?
no subject
I would never have thought of you as a screwup if you hadn't said it yourself first.
You're doing fine, kid.
1/2
"they'll fail because of you" endo's words hiss in his ear. snakes around his throat. poison dripping from his lips — ]
2/2 END
sakura just stabs his rice, scooping it up. ]
Not yet. But maybe . . . soon.
we can wrap soon ohhhhh
It's gonna be okay.
wrapped!
but he's not alone either. his cheeks are hot as he looks down. ]
Yeah.
. . . Thanks