[ It'll be clear that Josh never thought of it like that, never actually even thought that being at Hikaru's level meant that there was such a huge discrepancy between the two of them.
It's not even a terrible thing -- not in his eyes, at least.
It's just incredibly humbling. Just like everything so far in this conversation.
His fingers are tightening on that ticket now, eyes shutting as he bows his head, the vise around his heart easing a little bit more.
Some things, it doesn't matter if you see them for yourself. Some things, you need to be told because that's one of the few ways you realize it's real. It's not conceit; it's reassurance. And it's only ever needed when no amount of reminding oneself works anymore. ]
I just have... one stop to make. Before I go.
[ Glancing back up now and looking so terribly grateful. ]
-w-
It's not even a terrible thing -- not in his eyes, at least.
It's just incredibly humbling. Just like everything so far in this conversation.
His fingers are tightening on that ticket now, eyes shutting as he bows his head, the vise around his heart easing a little bit more.
Some things, it doesn't matter if you see them for yourself. Some things, you need to be told because that's one of the few ways you realize it's real. It's not conceit; it's reassurance. And it's only ever needed when no amount of reminding oneself works anymore. ]
I just have... one stop to make. Before I go.
[ Glancing back up now and looking so terribly grateful. ]
Thank you for the talk, sir.