#OOC: yeah there's a thinly veiled samwise reference in here what of it keep scrolling

[raystxntz]

[Ray listened to both Egon and Dana's speeches quietly, impassively, even as his heart felt like it was going to tear itself into tiny shreds at any moment. To know that Egon felt like his legacy didn't mean anything- to know that he'd been wrapped up in self-loathing and doubt for so long- made Ray's heart clench the longer he listened to it, the longer he was forced to stand there and listen to Egon vent his woes to the world.

He had to put a stop to this. He had to show Egon just how much he meant to him- without actually saying "love". Trying to rush into that particular admission wasn't what Egon needed right now. All Ray could do was hope that his words would be enough to get the message across- that he'd lay down his life if it meant Egon was happy.]

Stop talking like that. You are not a burden. You're not dangerous to be around or whatever you said to Elizabeth. It is not your fault that all this crazy shit is happening all around us. And you're not an inconvenience. I'll say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it.

You really think that all you are is some recluse who has bad social skills? Egie, I'm the one that's literally autistic. I'm the one who had to mask for god knows how long to actually fit in in society. I'm the one that would get odd looks for going off on tangents about my special interests. I'm the one who had to teach myself how to interact with people. Trust me, if anyone's social skills are terrible on this team, it's mine. And it's because you work so tirelessly at this kind of thing that I appreciate you.

You have inspired people, Egon. I see it in the fan mail we get, in the looks that we get from people when we walk down the street....I've gotten who knows how many kids coming up to me and saying that they were inspired to become scientists because of the work we do. That you do. Who saved the world a grand total of three times? Who came up with the idea to cross the streams even though there was a good chance it might have killed us? Who came up with all the technology we use, who helped me with the Ecto, who continues to develop things to make sure that our equipment doesn't fail and that we're as efficient as possible? You. You have made a mark, you have done good, and if people can't see that? Screw them. They don't matter. Only the people who see you for who you are do.

You want to know what I see in you, Egie?

[He was finally bold enough to move closer, to look Egon in the eye as much as he could in order to drive the impact of his statement home.]

I see a man who's not afraid to speak his mind about what he believes in. A man who's passionate, who's intelligent, who's sometimes a little messy....but who isn't? You get this spark in your eyes whenever you're really keyed into something, and it inspires me to be just as passionate in turn. From day one, you inspired me, Egon. You're good at fiddling with electronic things, even more than I am. I don't think we'd have half of the tech that we do without your help. You're so kind. You care about other people, even if they don't see it. You're great with kids- I've seen the way you interact with the ones that come up to us wanting autographs or just wanting to ask a question. You'd lay down your life to make the people closest to you happy. You get these crinkles in your face when you genuinely smile. You're just....brave, Egie. You're not afraid to do what it takes to solve a problem.

I could go on and on, but that's what I see in you. A person that I admire. A person that I'm proud to call my friend. A person that I....that I care about. Deeply.

I don't know what to do about your family, or other people that can't see your worth, or how you've been putting everything you have into what you do. I may not be able to carry your burden, Egie, but....

[And here Ray would make his move, enveloping Egon in as tight of a side hug as he possibly dared.]

....But I can help carry you.

Okay, stay calm stay calm stay calm

….Egon? It’s Ray. Dana’s here too, I….I thought you might need somebody to talk to. And two sets of ears are always better than one. 

Can you open the door for us? Or at least talk? We’ll listen.

@do-ray-egon @bassclefdana