♥ don't tie me up

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

[Sirkka looks like she just took a bath! In the bathhouse, no less. There may be creepy-crawlies around, but that doesn't mean she can skip out on hygiene. She draws a comb through her long hair methodically as she perches barefoot on the bar, wearing a purple silk yukata.]

It's rather quiet for a zombie apocalypse. Now I'm starting to worry.

[ooc: IMPORTANT NOTE IN THREADS. Your character will only be able to tell the truth when talking to Sirkka! Have fun guys.]

Comments

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

[She looks at him with those big purple eyes and shakes her head.]

There's nothing you can do to hurt me. I do mean that.

[oliverplus]

[looks at her, his eyes full of gratitude and concern and other feelings that he's not sure he wants to let out. unfortunately, he can't hold back some of it]

Th-thanks. But I always seem to make you worry about me. I wish I could help you sometime.

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

I worry about you because I was new with my empathy once, too, and when not properly controlled, it can turn into a bad thing. But you're doing fine-- even better than fine. You're doing splendidly, and I'm so so relieved that I could help you in some way.

[Mental shields make it difficult to mix their feelings up this time.]

As for me... I'm a counselor. That doesn't make me superhuman, but it does mean that I normally understand my own problems and deal with them to the best of my ability.

[oliverplus]

[smiles, proud to hear that] You've helped me a lot! And I even got to teach somebody else who has empathy because of a choice. Just...don't ask me who, all right? He doesn't want everybody to know.

[but that smile slips] It shouldn't have to be like that. I'm your friend, too.

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

That's amazing! ... But I won't ask, don't worry. You can tell him to come to me if he needs to.

[He has a point, but Sirkka is unfazed.] You're a very good friend, sweet and kind and considerate, but I don't think you understand. Sometimes I don't need someone to talk it over with. Sometimes, I'd rather come here and sip tea and listen to other people talk. You have a beautiful smile when you're happy and it makes me happy when I see it, and that's all the counseling I need most of the time.

[oliverplus]

[grins] You really think so? I didn't give him your name yet, either. I promised you I wouldn't tell people.

[frowns, opening his mouth to say...something very different from what comes out] I try to pretend my problems will go away if I just see other people happy, too, but it doesn't work like that--not for long. And you don't believe me when I do it. [clamps a hand over his mouth, looking slightly horrified]

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

[She's absurdly grateful for that.] If people are in need, then that's that. I don't mind it.

[... GG OLIVER. Sirkka stares for a long moment. As usual he's far too earnest. Even without the truth thing, she would've picked those thoughts up. He's right to a point, but this is crossing into territory that he has no business treading into. Sirkka is doing fine. She is a well-balanced modern woman living in a post-apocalyptic London and all of her problems are things better left in the closet with the skeletons of everyone she killed that one night.]

[quietly] It's not pretending. It's natural to want an escape from stress every once in a while, and if I've been pushing you too hard, then that's my fault. And I'm sorry.

[oliverplus]

You're always so nice, Sirkka.

[looks away, wishing he could say so many things, but he has little control over what actually comes out of his mouth] No, it's helped me, even if I didn't really want to share those things to begin with. And I know it's good to forget about the bad things now and then, but you still need somebody you can talk to about them. You can't do everything on your own. I still try to, but I know it doesn't work. I've been unhappy for a long time because of it. [keeps his gaze intently focused on his glass of water, very worried about how she might react to that]

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

I have my moments.

[She turns her comb over in her hands.] Anyway, I have brothers and sisters at home, and I have you and the Doctor and Mr. Braxiatel here. In fact, without my friends and family, I think I wouldn't be able to do anything at all. You've helped me more than you realize, I feel.

[She leans over and touches his cheek.]

We're not alone. Maybe things are a little unhappy right now, but they won't always be that way.

Let's just focus on one day at a time. We have a mess in front of us right now and we need to fix it. When you focus you do amazing things, Oliver.

[oliverplus]

I'm glad to hear that. I hope I've helped you even half as much as you've helped me.

[looks up at her, his eyes full of regrets and worries. he opens his mouth to say something but thinks better of it, not sure how much he might say if he starts. instead, he nods] Thanks. I'm not great at figuring things like this out--not like the Doctor--but I'll help in any way I can.

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

You have. [She gives him an encouraging smile.] And I know you will.

[She stretches a little and stifles a yawn.] Hmm... I think I'll go read a bit while my clothes dry.

[oliverplus]

[he smiles back, but he very carefully doesn't open his mouth because he's afraid he might express that he doubts that]

Ah...yeah, good idea. And I'm really glad you're not going to ask me any more questions. [makes a face. did that really just come out of his mouth? quickly adds:] So, uh, guess I'll see you later, then.

[newworldlover.livejournal.com]

[She giggles a little at that last awkward part.] Later, yeah? [She pokes his nose as she passes him.] Take care. ♥