[Because they're a child. They're just a kid. He has no idea why they are the way they are... but they're a child. First and above all. A child who could be something great, someday.]
[They all could be. Every kid.]
[The children, the teens, he's taken as his family -- who were all so broken, in so many ways, who ended up being amazing. And himself... who couldn't stop trying even if it wore him down to the bone. Why wouldn't he see the potential in someone else? See their determination for a strength, instead of something that could destroy them.]
[It's why he's still alive, after all. Isn't it? Why else would he have survived?]
[He spreads his hands, the lines under his eyes, the weariness in every motion show. For all his focus, for all his own determination, he's exhausted by it. The question of "why" feeling heavier, more draining than anything else Chara could have asked him right now.]
I don't know any reason why I wouldn't want you to make it.
[He reaches out. Like he'd hold onto them, shield them, if he could.]
[Not saving someone is the hardest thing I've ever lived through.]
[Don't be another Matt. Another Commander Holt or Darin or Keith or Lance. Another name on a list that never seemed to end.]
no subject
[Because they're a child. They're just a kid. He has no idea why they are the way they are... but they're a child. First and above all. A child who could be something great, someday.]
[They all could be. Every kid.]
[The children, the teens, he's taken as his family -- who were all so broken, in so many ways, who ended up being amazing. And himself... who couldn't stop trying even if it wore him down to the bone. Why wouldn't he see the potential in someone else? See their determination for a strength, instead of something that could destroy them.]
[It's why he's still alive, after all. Isn't it? Why else would he have survived?]
[He spreads his hands, the lines under his eyes, the weariness in every motion show. For all his focus, for all his own determination, he's exhausted by it. The question of "why" feeling heavier, more draining than anything else Chara could have asked him right now.]
I don't know any reason why I wouldn't want you to make it.
[He reaches out. Like he'd hold onto them, shield them, if he could.]
[Not saving someone is the hardest thing I've ever lived through.]
[Don't be another Matt. Another Commander Holt or Darin or Keith or Lance. Another name on a list that never seemed to end.]
Come to the house with us, Chara. Please.