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[heavyliesthecrown]

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[strateelgic]

Because it's too easy a fear for others to take advantage of!

[It's too much of a weakness, and one that could make him look quite pathetic in the eyes of many.]

[heavyliesthecrown]

[He frowns. He really feels strongly about this. Who would want to take advantage of such a fear? Surely he is being too hard on himself. Most cannot even fly here at all.]

. . . I cannot fly with my own power. But I have flown a few times here with the aid of another. They can manipulate gravity, and I trust him.

If I spoke to him, maybe... you could practice getting used to it with a safety net? He would not let you fall.

[Then again, that would mean his being vulnerable around someone else, and he is so particular about that.]

Or, if you like, I could practice with you at the edges of the forest. You can fly with a broom, right? Perhaps if you have company, or someone cheering you on, you could practice without worrying what others might say or think.

[strateelgic]

We had flight lessons every day at school. Yet here I am.

[Perhaps it's true that he hadn't pushed himself hard enough. He didn't want to be such an obvious failure at it in front of so many other students. (Though he's sure he had been anyway, it's just that no one would dare say anything about it.)]

[heavyliesthecrown]

Well, perhaps it is harder to do when others are watching your every move? If we practice privately, you do not have to try and impress anyone or worry about what they might think.

[He tilts his head.]

How does your brother do with flying?

[strateelgic]

[He frowns.]

...Better than I do, from what I've seen here.

[Any other details have been lost with all the other memories of his brother.]

[heavyliesthecrown]

Even if he is, he is your brother. I am sure there are things you are better at than him. You could help one another...? It should be okay to have a vulnerable side around your own sibling, right?

[strateelgic]

There's a very big difference between simply not being good at something and being crippled by fear.

If there's nothing that makes him equally afraid then I look like the weaker brother.

[heavyliesthecrown]

[ . . . Reaching up his hands gently cup either side of his cheeks. He is so scared of this weakness-- this perceived flaw of his. Normally, he is all confidence though. Eyes creasing, he shakes his head.]

There is nothing wrong with being afraid.

[If he can tug him down to his lap, he will. Otherwise, he will reach for a hand with one of his own.]

Being afraid does not make you weak. And it is not a competition with your brother.

[His fingers muss with his hair, an attempt at a comforting gesture.]

You are one of the strongest people I know. I admire and envy it. It is okay to be scared. Strength comes from the courage to move forward despite fear. Whether that means finding alternative methods, or battling it head-on-- there is nothing for you to be ashamed of.

[strateelgic]

[Levi sighs heavily. He doesn't allow himself to be pulled down, sadly, and seems hesitant about the touching in general.]

...You really do sound like a RSA student. You think too well of everyone.

[He's someone who takes advantages of the weaknesses of others. This means that showing weakness himself is one of the worst things he can do. It will be jumped upon.

And he's showing further weakness by being upset over it.

He puts his hands (at least the one not currently being held) in his lap and takes a couple deep breaths to calm himself.]

[heavyliesthecrown]

I am going to begin to take that as a compliment.

[Since he says it so often, despite how he has professed they can be a little annoying. He releases his hand but lifts it to his shoulder where he takes a breath with him. In and out!]

Not everyone is out to get you. Even you realize that in the end. Otherwise, you would not have felt comfortable coming here, I think.

When you are feeling a little bit better, let us work on it together.

[strateelgic]

[He wants to say that he doesn't want Crescendo's help. Doesn't need it. This is just a silly little fear that he'll be able to push through in time, surely.

He doesn't want pity.

But he forces a smile on his face without looking at the other teen.]

...Of course.

[heavyliesthecrown]

[He lifts a hand up... to flick him in the forehead.]

You do not have to sound so reluctant. How many times have you helped me? I am actually a little happy.

[ . . . That sounds wrong.]

I mean. Not that you are upset about things. Of course I do not mean it like that. But you are exhaustingly good in so many different areas. I am just a little happy that you felt comfortable being vulnerable around me. Since you are such a wary person by nature.

[He leans against his side.]

And, while I do wish to help, I cannot actually fly myself. This means I can only be moral support and offer high-handed advice from the spectator's seat. Unless brooms can be enchanted? I have no idea how it works.

Anyway, the point is, there is not anything to be embarrassed about. At least not with me? You do not have to try and act 'cool' around me. I am already aware that you are not.

[strateelgic]

Oh?

[Levi turns his head slowly to raise a brow at the other teen.]

I'm being judged by someone at the height of coolness, I see. My little cat, the enigmatic idol and his hordes of followers.

[heavyliesthecrown]

[He makes a face up at him.]

Focus on the part where I said you do not have to worry about that sort of thing with me.

[strateelgic]

Is that such a big comfort if it puts me in a lower position in your eyes?

[heavyliesthecrown]

I do not think of you as lesser than me in any way. I am the one always trying to catch up to and reach out toward you.

[strateelgic]

Well you shouldn't be reaching. I'm clearly behind you when it comes to this.

[heavyliesthecrown]

I have my own fears. Everyone does.

[strateelgic]

Obviously. But some are sensible and some will get you laughed at.

[heavyliesthecrown]

I am not laughing. And there is nothing unsensible about it. Plenty of people are afraid of flying-- or even just heights in general. I think it is admirable that you are working so hard at it.

Cheer up, okay? We can work through it bit by bit.

[strateelgic]

[Crescendo is too positive about things. It's hard not to be affected by the positivity.]

Admirable...

[He grumbles this, pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand.]

This is not a we matter. It's a me matter. I will simply take smaller steps in the future.

[heavyliesthecrown]

I will not press my presence. But I absolutely can and will help if permitted. Even if I am to simply help cheer you on and offer advice or critiques.

[strateelgic]

It would be silly of me to expect anything else.

[heavyliesthecrown]

Perhaps I will surprise you some day by flying all on my own.

[strateelgic]

You would certainly be all on your own if you did.