[It would be much easier if he could accept a hand to hold other than Rin's, but right now he won't even ask for that much. Sousuke's never been one to ask for help or let on that he needs much of anything and a situation like this is only prone to make him more determined to be self-sufficient. He can't just put Salonpas on this and brute force it, though. Something's going to have to give.
He finally looks up when Tachibana draws the comparison between Australia and here. That's the more telling one and the look on Sousuke's face--wary but attentive and surprised--may be just enough to let Tachibana know he's scored a direct hit. There's no one who could make him believe Rin wanted him there in Australia, not even Rin, but this... this he wants to believe and Tachibana's got no reason to lie. Telling him this doesn't guarantee he'll like him any more, it only serves to ease the ache in his chest about Rin.
When he repeats himself it's no longer dismissive or combative. Sousuke just sounds resigned. It's a place he's learned to be comfortable, resignation. There is only so much he can control from inside his walls, after all.]
Re: action, weekend
He finally looks up when Tachibana draws the comparison between Australia and here. That's the more telling one and the look on Sousuke's face--wary but attentive and surprised--may be just enough to let Tachibana know he's scored a direct hit. There's no one who could make him believe Rin wanted him there in Australia, not even Rin, but this... this he wants to believe and Tachibana's got no reason to lie. Telling him this doesn't guarantee he'll like him any more, it only serves to ease the ache in his chest about Rin.
When he repeats himself it's no longer dismissive or combative. Sousuke just sounds resigned. It's a place he's learned to be comfortable, resignation. There is only so much he can control from inside his walls, after all.]
I'm too late.