[ Easier said than done, to calm down, though at least Eustace (the older) takes the blunt advice in stride, blinking once before reining the rest of his wayward emotions back in. No more stark, grotesque images overlaid onto the sunny (but silent) streets of Springstar. No more confusion or apprehension, only a thin tendril of gratitude stretched out towards Gen, for taking the lead despite his own misgivings.
It's harder for Eustace (the younger) to grab hold of his composure, youth and inexperience both holding him back, but he does his best regardless, though mostly out of fear of the sharp tone rather than any urge to people please. ]
I—okay.
[ His voice is painfully small, quiet but not in any self-assured way. It's a low volume born out of fear, any loudness strangled out by a panic that he tries so very hard to stifle as he's told. His shoulders shake a little less after a few seconds, at least, steps slowing as his breathing evens out a smidge, thanks to a few large gulps of air. ]
S-sorry. You're right.
[ How often does Gen get to hear that said to him on a regular basis? ]
no subject
It's harder for Eustace (the younger) to grab hold of his composure, youth and inexperience both holding him back, but he does his best regardless, though mostly out of fear of the sharp tone rather than any urge to people please. ]
I—okay.
[ His voice is painfully small, quiet but not in any self-assured way. It's a low volume born out of fear, any loudness strangled out by a panic that he tries so very hard to stifle as he's told. His shoulders shake a little less after a few seconds, at least, steps slowing as his breathing evens out a smidge, thanks to a few large gulps of air. ]
S-sorry. You're right.
[ How often does Gen get to hear that said to him on a regular basis? ]
I just...what if they're also [ gone ] hurt?