05. video

[shatterings]

[ Naminé hasn't posted on the network in a while, but her expression as the feed flickers on is one part curious, one part unsure. ]

It's... probably a strange question, but... does anyone have any advice on, um, breaking out of your shell?

Comments

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

Confidence, Namine. You need to be more sure of yourself if you're going to conquer that shyness of yours.

[Video]

[shatterings]

I'm... not too sure how to go about gaining confidence.

[ Though, she has come quite a way since she arrived. ]

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

It's all about self-image. The way you look at yourself will come across in how you act with other people. That's both the good news and the bad, really. Good, because as you become more comfortable with yourself you'll get better at these sort of things automatically. Bad, because you can't really force yourself to think of yourself in a certain way.

[Video]

[shatterings]

Mm... I think I understand. [ She looks down for a moment before looking back at the screen. ] I'm... doing much better, I think, because I have such wonderful friends. Like you, Ilya. I'll try my best, though.

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

We're all very happy to help you, Namine. You deserve to have complete confidence in yourself. I certainly believe in you.

[Video]

[shatterings]

I... deserve it?

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

Hmmm? Did I say something strange?

[Video]

[shatterings]

No, I've... never thought of it like that, I suppose.

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

I can't say that particularly surprises me. Unless I'm much mistaken, no one's said that to you before.

[Video]

[shatterings]

No... I don't think so. Not that I can remember.

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

You do realize that's terribly sad, don't you?

[Video]

[shatterings]

[ As if her confusion isn't answer enough... ]

Oh... is it?

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

[Oh you sweet summer child.]

Namine, listen to me. You are a lovely young girl in more ways than one. You are kind, patient and unfailingly sweet. There is absolutely no reason you should feel anything less than confident in yourself, and anyone who has ever made you feel that way should be ashamed. And if anyone ever treats you in a way that makes you feel worthless again, I will personally tear them apart.

[Video]

[shatterings]

Ilya...

[ Yes, she's trying not to cry because kindness... kindness is still a new thing, no matter how long she's been here and no matter how long they've been friends. And Ilya is so honest, and so protective it's... overwhelming. That sounds right.

Her tears, which Naminé is hastily wiping away, are accompanied by a smile. ]

... Thank you.

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

[Ilya can't help but be rather pleased that Namine doesn't question her implicit threat towards anyone who would harm her. It's one she wouldn't hesitate to carry out, but the good people in her life always seem to object to that side of her.]

You're welcome. Now where are you? I'm going to come see you.

[Video]

[shatterings]

[ It's something she's started to expect from Ilya, honestly. She blinks, but nods and sends her a map of her location. ]

I'll wait for you here, Ilya.

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

Alright. I'll be there soon.

[The video clicks off and Ilya heads out, intent on one thing and one thing only.

Hugs.]

[shatterings]

[ And Naminé waits for her, looking this way and that for her friend. ]

[dressofheaven]

[It's only a few moments later that Ilya pops up, throwing her arms around Namine from behind.]

There you are. [She brings one hand up to wipe a soft cloth she brought along over Namine's eyes.]

[shatterings]

[ She makes a little sound of surprise, stumbling forward just slightly, and that cloth makes her blink. It's appreciated, though, of course. ]

I-Ilya. Thank you.

[dressofheaven]

It's fine, don't worry about it. I just don't want to see your face tear-stained.

[She mops up the last of them and pats Namine gently on the head.]

[shatterings]

[ The head pat feels surprisingly nice. Naminé gives her a little smile. ]

I-I'm okay. Really.

[dressofheaven]

Alright, then.

[She strokes Namine's hair a bit before pulling her hands away.]

Just so long as you stay that way.

[shatterings]

It's gotten... much easier. To say I am and to really feel okay.

[dressofheaven]

Well, that's a lot better than just saying it.