[ This is all still so new to Ben, and he doesn't know what to say back when Genji congratulates him. Would the normal thing be to say thanks? To make a joke? To talk more about how it had all come about? Ben has no clue, so he just gives a slightly lopsided smile and a pleased little shrug of his shoulders. That'll have to do.
But his worries about his own awkwardness fall into the background when Genji starts talking about how he used to be cheerful. Ben had kind of caught him at a vulnerable moment, when they both had been truth gassed. That could happen to anybody. But Genji is talking about negativity permeating everything and being miserable, and he's talking about now. He's talking about the present. Ben can just tell.
He could kick himself then for not asking how Genji was doing sooner. Particularly when he confirms that he's been better which Ben knows is code for I'm going through an incredibly rough time. A furrow forms between his dark brows, and he leans closer, all worry and seriousness. ]
Did... something happen, or is it being stuck here, or is it... something else?
[ Ben looks Genji in the eyes, looks at his handsome, scarred face. There are a lot of options, things that might make Genji sad. Ben knows that, even without reason, sadness can come and hang like an anchor. He knows that the past can echo loudly on some days. If Genji has been trying taking his mask off around people, had anyone reacted badly? Or is Genji merely dwelling on whatever events had led to him being injured in the first place? ]
no subject
But his worries about his own awkwardness fall into the background when Genji starts talking about how he used to be cheerful. Ben had kind of caught him at a vulnerable moment, when they both had been truth gassed. That could happen to anybody. But Genji is talking about negativity permeating everything and being miserable, and he's talking about now. He's talking about the present. Ben can just tell.
He could kick himself then for not asking how Genji was doing sooner. Particularly when he confirms that he's been better which Ben knows is code for I'm going through an incredibly rough time. A furrow forms between his dark brows, and he leans closer, all worry and seriousness. ]
Did... something happen, or is it being stuck here, or is it... something else?
[ Ben looks Genji in the eyes, looks at his handsome, scarred face. There are a lot of options, things that might make Genji sad. Ben knows that, even without reason, sadness can come and hang like an anchor. He knows that the past can echo loudly on some days. If Genji has been trying taking his mask off around people, had anyone reacted badly? Or is Genji merely dwelling on whatever events had led to him being injured in the first place? ]
Can I help?