[Especially when you're not already used to it. Even Sousei feels as though he hasn't entirely adapted, in some ways... but he simply nods. And he can't help much with making them feel more at home, since he's not the most warm person around, but--]
The best we can do is be certain that they remain safe. The rest will come in time.
[Sousei's words always go appreciated, though. Realism is something Hinata feels gratitude for, because it's often something that he can work toward. Helping them overcome their feelings is something he can do as well, but not something solely up to him.]
Yeah. I've warned them about the things that happen here... and if something happens, I'm sure they won't be on their own, even if I can't be there right away...
[There's some insecurity because goodness knows he saw friends die before, but at least here is better.]
If there is something I have learned in my time as a commander, it is that those you are looking out for must be trusted to be able to handle themselves when it counts. You will gain nothing by coddling them.
[Granted, they always made sure their youngest members were protected and shielded from the worst of things, but that was different.]
But being there for them is different from constantly watching them.
[Trusted to be able to handle themselves... Hinata knows he's right, but there comes the nagging, lingering fear. When he lets someone out of his sight, something bad could happen to them.
That'd been the case... how many times...?]
Yeah, I... know. I probably couldn't constantly watch them even if I wanted to.
I... remember things I shouldn't have forgot 'cause of it. [Like putting that confidence and belief in his friends, not giving in to the worries of tomorrow.]
You have a sensible head on your shoulders, but despite that you are incapable of taking care of yourself. You overdo it when it is not necessary. You struggle with not taking everything onto your shoulders alone.
[Oof, he felt that one hit him... like an evidence bullet gone wrong at a trial...]
...
...I know. I am trying. [He looks out over the dance floor.] I remind myself of it, that I don't have to be constantly doing something. [And it's slowly, slowly coming along.]
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[Especially when you're not already used to it. Even Sousei feels as though he hasn't entirely adapted, in some ways... but he simply nods. And he can't help much with making them feel more at home, since he's not the most warm person around, but--]
The best we can do is be certain that they remain safe. The rest will come in time.
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Yeah. I've warned them about the things that happen here... and if something happens, I'm sure they won't be on their own, even if I can't be there right away...
[There's some insecurity because goodness knows he saw friends die before, but at least here is better.]
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Sousei arches an eyebrow at that, almost amused.]
You see them as your responsibility, then? Even so, you cannot constantly watch all of them. [it's okay, Hinata...]
What you are doing should be enough.
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I just want to look out for them.
[But, if Sousei's saying that... Maybe it really is enough? He doesn't know.] You're... yeah, it should be... [For now.]
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[Granted, they always made sure their youngest members were protected and shielded from the worst of things, but that was different.]
But being there for them is different from constantly watching them.
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That'd been the case... how many times...?]
Yeah, I... know. I probably couldn't constantly watch them even if I wanted to.
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[how's that for a vote of confidence...... he really does mean well though.]
And they will be more confident in turn if they feel as though you are confident in them.
[Which isn't going to happen if you're constantly paranoid over them, Hinata....]
It is good to look after them, but take their own confidence in themselves into consideration as well.
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I will.
[And,]
...Thanks, Sousei.
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That gets an almost amused response, really.]
There's no need to thank me for this. I'm afraid I offer my unwarranted opinion regardless of if it is wanted or needed.
[He's kind of bad at not doing it.]
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I'm still grateful for it.
I... remember things I shouldn't have forgot 'cause of it. [Like putting that confidence and belief in his friends, not giving in to the worries of tomorrow.]
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[He's used to preaching, he really is. He preaches to Soramaru, and his ducklings, and the Yamainu. And Tenka. He preaches to Tenka a lot.
But he knows it's not always welcome (he's just really opinionated). But--]
If it was useful to you, then that's fine. You have reasonably good judgement otherwise.
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[Hinata echoes... with a slow grin. Uwoah he's about to joke around...]
Well, thanks. I'll keep working on it.
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[you asked, Hinata, just remember this.]
You have a sensible head on your shoulders, but despite that you are incapable of taking care of yourself. You overdo it when it is not necessary. You struggle with not taking everything onto your shoulders alone.
[So.
Yeah.
Reasonably good. But not perfect.]
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...
...I know. I am trying. [He looks out over the dance floor.] I remind myself of it, that I don't have to be constantly doing something. [And it's slowly, slowly coming along.]
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Rather, I know you are working on it. But you did ask, and so I answered.
[So.
There.
Sousei's always going to be pretty blunt and honest about these things.]