ˢᵗʳⁱᵈᵉʳ

He is my support and backbone to this day.
Oop- Ours... Sorry.

Need any help? Oh, um. I don't think I need your help. I can't decide the future of my faction right now, and I don't need help with that.

* He looks tired and pensive *

Ten years have passed since then...

*Strider doesn't know where to start.*

How am I doing? I wouldn't say it's going smoothly, but I wouldn't say it's really bad either.

*Strider raised an eyebrow questioningly, reacting more than a little surprised at his doppelganger.*

Nice to meet you? It's a very unusual meeting, I'd say...

*He looked around curiously at his other self, walking around the doppelganger.*

Thank you for the nice congratulations, I'm very pleased to receive them from you. Happy past Valentine's Day Faust, may love and harmony always nourish your heart.

I'm sorry I'm late, Faust.... I'm deeply ashamed of it.
I dozed off all day, I was very tired and I didn't notice that I slept through the whole holiday.

I wish Faust wore this costume on a regular basis. It looks powerful.

*Strider looks at the photo's in a slight stupor and mumbles not very intelligibly:*

Um... It looks like an intima-... I mean, a... Something that happened recently?

*speaks unsure or rather embarrassed, trying hard to give herself a sullen tone*.

... іде війна, а люд страждає,
здається, вже останнє доживає.
збирає голод те останнє,
коли ж доба відродження настане?

▫️ димко дяк

As you wish, Faust...

*Strider gently took the man under his elbow and pulled him into the nearest empty room, where they would not be disturbed by their fellows.

He closed the old, worn door behind him with a creak.*

I hope it's pretty secluded here, apart from the broken windows.

I want you to have the ability to see, too. To see me, not to imagine my image in your head. Maybe I'm different from what you imagine me to be.

Yes, these are my lips. You can touch them if you want, I don't mind at all...

*Strider gazed fondly and sadly into the flickering sightless eyes, and nodded weakly back to Faust.

*Strider from the perpetually frowning cold rock melted instantly at Faust's words and touch. The muscles in his face relaxed and he raised his eyebrows in surprise.*

You felt it.. when you touched me. My face.

*He took hold hand and pressed his cheek against Faust's warm, broad palm*

Yeah, if it's not a problem for you. I wouldn't want anyone to see me showing my so-called affection for anyone.

*Quietly rustling his palm, he strokes Faust's back between his shoulder blades. *

Oh, okay. Just not for long, in case someone....

*Strider paused for a moment, looking around to make sure he wasn't being watched, and then pulled Faust back into a tight embrace.*

I'm feeling an unfamiliar range of emotions.

It's easier for you when I talk to you, no other way, I get it. Fine..

*he smiled weakly. It's a pity that Faust won't see this*

Perhaps the "battery ran out", so I took a short break.

You must have good hearing since you're blind, why can't you navigate by my breathing? Just curious.

*doesn't step aside and doesn't grab Faust's hand, allowing him to reach out and touch.
Keeps silent*

I will never leave you alone. Never.

*looks at this sad smile in front of him, sighs heavily*

I'm glad I made you happier, Faust.

*lightly patted the preacher on the back with his palm and stepped back*

I wouldn't say that I really read, and the pictures there aren't very interesting. On the covers, people from the mainland are beautifully dressed and smiling happily.
I'll have to find the books, or ask Lodochka to lend them to me for a while.

And... I could read you something.

*He gently takes Faust by the elbow and pushes the preacher towards him, embracing him in a weak "bear hug"*

Thank you. I'm not very good at this, but I've seen magazine covers of people sharing their emotions with each other through hugs. So far I don't understand how this.

I don't know if this is appropriate now, but can I enter your personal space with my tactility? It's just a hug, nothing more.

Sorry for making you worry... I needed to hide and be alone for a while but I've had enough of being alone - it's starting to scare me.

How am I? I'm fine, I'm fine.. And you?

Happy holiday to you too, brother, Happy New Year!
I hope the new year will be better than the last one.. Better for all of us

*The calm tone gave way to slight irritation*

My happiness is peace, in any sense of the word.

Again you begin this "ballad" about the Great One. Stop it! These are all fairy tales, don't mislead me like you did to others. I am doing the right thing by ignoring the existence of this belief. We are up to our necks in someone else's blood, Faust, I will not return to this.

You're right.
Thoughts, an incredible number of them... There is no escape me from them.