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[jinbeizame]

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[rinsecure]

[Poor Sousuke? No, Rin is not the type for that, not anymore, though for the longest time he had been blinded by self-pity. There was sympathy in the smile he'd offered before, it's true, but not like someone who looks down on another; rather, they are on the same level, equals even in pain and hardship, even though Sousuke has an added burden. There was sympathy, yes, but more than that, there was empathy.

But now? His smile is different; it's sheepish and a little embarrassed, but still undeniably hopeful, bright despite everything they've been through. But there isn't really any shame in that, right?]

Yeah, I know, I know. [He rubs the back of his neck, laughs a little at how easily he let himself get carried away.] But just think about it: if he can really do something so spectacular as rebuilding an arm, fixing your shoulder shouldn't be much of a problem. Maybe it'll only take a couple of extra sessions, or maybe he can even do it at the same time--

[And then he catches himself again, forcing a lull in the tide before he can roll into a 40ft wave and barrel through again. Sousuke is prone to weird ideas, like thinking he and Rin weren't really friends before just because they couldn't swim together; if Rin keeps pushing him like this, would he get the wrong impression again?]

If you wanted to give up-- [He starts again after another moment's hesitation, not for his words and enthusiasm, but for what Sousuke might have inferred from them.] --then I'd have to make my peace with it. But I know that's not what you want, not really. And I know it's all gonna be worth it. But we gotta give it a try first.

[And that Look is back, strong and determined, and perhaps more meaningful than words. This is for the sake of their dreams, but not for theirs.]

[jinbeizame]

[ no, maybe that isn't what rin is meaning behind that sympathetic look. sousuke's first reaction to it has more to do with experience, rather than taking into account who is the one saying it. sousuke should have known better, he really should have, and the more they talk the more he feels embarrassed a bit my his own reaction to it.

he knows rin better than that, he always has.

so he lets it ease away. knows that isn't what rin meant, even if sousuke had expected it. and as soon as he lets it go, what he sees in front of him is rin - with a sheepish smile and an immeasurable amount of hope and everything, everything, sousuke was never able to create for himself. he looks up and sees the same bright light he'd seen above the surface, that had pushed him to the end of his race, and he can't help but let it wash over him.

but then rin backtracks, and sousuke just shakes his head, needing to stop whatever it is he has stuck in his head. ]

No, I'm willing to try. I'm already doing this, anyway, so what's another few meetings.

[ and not just because rin wants him to. not just because he knows what that light, that sparkle, behind rin's eyes really mean. rin may be the start of it, the spark, but sousuke feels that hope start to grow. he takes a breath and shakes his head, his eyes back down to the ground though the smile still lingers. ]

If this really works, and I can really heal, then I can get back in the pool again...

[rinsecure]

["I'm willing to try."

As soon as those words ring in his ears, red eyes are brimming with a different spark, a wet sort of gleam that reflects nothing but relief. Despite all his history and personal frustrations, and the very fact this new situation is entirely foreign to the both of them, he's ignited that fire back in Sousuke's heart, that small hope to push him onward. A do-over, so he can keep chasing after his dreams.

Rin can't help but feel like he, too, has been given a second chance a second time. Before, he got to start over a friendship that Sousuke should never have doubted; now, he gets to mend what has been broken-- no, not so drastic; just cracked.]

It will work. [A firm nod, smile as wide as it is determined, overflowing with unbound hope. He doesn't have to hold back anymore.] I just know it will. Then you'll be back in the pool, and with a little extra practice, you'll catch up to everyone, and then?

[He catches himself again, laughs a little, not as embarrassed this time, and the smile is confident instead of sheepish, nearly cocky, really. Already so different from how he was a minute ago.]

With your real full potential out, we'll be unstoppable.