fiddlestick | IC Inbox (Kaisou)

[Elliot pauses, silently praying that whatever Varian is about to ask, it's neither about romance or something illegal]

Of course Varian. What is it?

[It's okay, he asks Amal or August for those things! He's safe!]

Thanks. I- did you see that new guy on the network? From POKEGO? Sorey? The one that does that therapy thing?

[Yup "that therapy thing" - this isn't something he's really focused on while trying to adapt to living in the 21st century.]

Do you know anything about that? Not- not the new guy, obviously. Just- what he's offering.

Oh yeah, I did notice that post! Seems the guy is getting...a lot of colorful responses.

[He's wary of POKEGO, but man does he feel bad for that guy. ]

You mean therapy? Yeah, I'm familiar. I've been doing it since I was 18. Are you curious about it?

Hah, yeah. I can't blame people for being on edge with them showing up.

[He doesn't trust them, but he can't really hate them, either. After all, he's made some pretty horrible mistakes since coming here, too. And before. Definitely after. He's not really in a position to judge.]

Oh, wow, really? You have?

[That's extremely comforting. He might not trust POKEGO, but he trusts Elliot and his opinions implicitly. Knowing Elliot has done this before makes the whole thing a little less of a terrifying step into a black abyss.]

I don't know...I mean, a little? I-I mean, I want to be better. [Better than a person hiding the fact he's working for Zodiac from his loved ones, even if it's to try and stop worse things from happening.] But I don't know how good I can be at that without help. But I don't know if that would help or...not. I've never really heard about it before, except what Snow said about talking to someone to help with her stepmom stuff.

I guess I just wanted your opinion if it was a good idea to...try.

[Yeah Elliot wonders if its' really the POKGO affiliation or the therapist angle that's fueling the responses, but he won't voice that opinion]

Yep! I have an anxiety disorder. That means my brain has a chemical imbalance that makes it overreact to certain anxiety-based stimuli. It used to really bad when I was your age, but then I started going to therapy and taking medication - and now I'm much better.

[Still regularly stressed, but you know what what can you do he is a teacher in a crazy town.

But aww...varian. ]

I understand. Honestly...I was considering suggesting it to you. I think you find it interesting! It's not just talking to someone, it's a science-based practice. I can even get you a psychology textbook if you want to see for yourself.

-- Though, don't use the textbook to diagnose yourself, okay? That's a mistake a lot of people make, when really we're not our best judges.

[Varian takes that in, nodding to himself. ]

I'm glad to hear that it's helped you. That's- that's really good.

[He wants good things for Elliot, man :<

But boy, does Elliot knows exactly the right spin to put on this, because that IMMEDIATELY gets Varian's attention. He can work with science. He understands science! And if this is science then that means he can at least understand the baselines of what is happening.]

Really? I'd definitely like that, please! To-to give me an idea of what I was getting into first.

And no problem, I wouldn't do that. Some sciences are beyond even me, hah, I wouldn't know the first thing about setting a bone, say and wouldn't wanna try.

[Look, he CAN be sensible sometimes! Rarely! But it can happen!]

Thanks, Elliot. This makes me feel a lot better about it.

[Looks like this persuasion was a success. Good. Better to have the kid open to the idea than scared of it...like so many people on the app seem to be.]

Sure! I should have some of my old ones from college lying around here somewhere. I'll bring them in tomorrow for you.

[And oh thank god Varian being sensible. What a precious rarity, he will treasure it]

It's no problem! As for whether you should use Dr. Rosewood's services...that's up to you. Regardless of his intentions, it's important to find a therapist you feel willing to trust and be open with. It's actually pretty normal for people to try out a couple therapists before finding one they click with.

So if you decide you rather not work with Dr. Rosewood, I can help you search for another one, okay?

Edited 2023-02-23 20:52 (UTC)

[Elliot rolled HIGH on his persuasion check. Everyone on the app was so leery and he didn't know if it was safe or...not. He's aware this will involve talking about his past and that's always terrifying, frankly. But having Elliot provide support for this whole endeavour gives him a confidence boost that he might be able to handle this. ]

That'll be great, thanks.

[It may never happen again.

And that does settle another one of Varian's concerns- that there are other options for him in case Sorey doesn't work out. In case he can't bring himself to trust the man. And that is normal- that it might take him a few tries.]

That's really good to hear, Elliot. And I'd really appreciate that, if-if it comes to that. I wouldn't know the first way to look.

Edited 2023-02-23 22:45 (UTC)

[HE SURE DID. Luck doesn't often come Elliot's way, but man this is a lucky break in his opinion. He's still not sure what to make of POKEGO, but well, this is one benefit of their appearance.]

Eheh, I understand. The process can seem pretty intimidating honestly. But if nothing else, I think you'll find it to be an interesting experience.

I'll see you in class tomorrow, okay?

Yeah, and who knows, it might help with my...everything.

[Just. All the things. Everything. ]

Yeah, sure thing! Thanks again, Elliot.

Not your everything. You might have a few issues you need to work on, but you got plenty of great traits too.

[He says that gently, as a reminder. He knows how easy it is to paint yourself in a purely negative brush]

[He's already opening his mouth to argue with that, because yeah, he's really not that great at putting a positive light on himself. But he knows Elliot will call him out on it and if they're talking about him trying to get better, he really needs to...actually try to be better about himself. Even if he's not completely on board with giving himself a boost yet. ]

...Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. About the good traits.

[Good. Not great. Walk before you can run and all that.]

[He notices Varian's rephrasing it as "good" rather than great. He could try to push against it...but baby steps. And honestly, they've made a big step.]

Mm, I know I'm right about that.

[Varian's a good kid ok!!!]

Oh and if you need an adult to take you to your first session, I'll be happy to take you. We can even grab some food when you're done, my treat.

[This is the biggest of big steps for today. At last, he's made a conscious effort to get better rather than believing himself incapable of it. He might even be feeling a tiny bit proud of himself for this. He'll stick with good for now, but there's the potential for it to become better than that means a lot.

As does Elliot's willingness to help him. Not for the first time, he's endlessly glad that the man has his corner. He's aware he's not exactly made it easy. The fact Elliot stayed means everything. ]

Yes, please! He said I needed an adult to uh...take me there. And thanks, that-that would be really nice.

[Heh, so he already schedule the appointment. Good for you kid, he's proud of you]

Sure! Just let me know when and I'll make the time.

[This is important so you better believe he'll cancel any prior engagements]

[He appreciates this so goddamn much. ]

I will, I promise. [Which shows he MEANS it, too.] Thanks, again, Elliot.

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