#ryouga is trying so hard to lie and pretend he hates iv here. but seeing iv kind of sort of admit that he's trying...

[guardiandamned]

Why did IV have to go and get so stubborn all of a sudden!? As he insists that they talk, and then brings up the fight against the Barians, Ryouga can't stop the pain and anguish he feels from showing on his face. Like he needs a lecture about that...! Every one of IV's words cuts like a knife, because he knows that he's right. Yuma is his friend, and Ryouga should be scared for him - he should be fighting for him, not preparing to betray him. And Yuma... yeah. He never stops caring, no matter how many times the people around him let him down, over and over again.

Ryouga never wanted to be the next one to let him down. He never wanted this.

Forcing himself to keep his composure, Ryouga tries to remind himself that he can't be weighed down by emotion. He reminds himself that Astral still intends to destroy the Barian World - his world, as hard as it still is to believe - and more importantly, the friends he owes his life to. But... what he's not ready for is the moment when IV suddenly does the last thing he expects - he opens up.

IV... actually cares about him? He's actually trying to make up for everything in the past? Maybe Ryouga's misinterpreting his words, but... the shock Ryouga feels is so great that it leaves him stunned, wide-eyed and vulnerable. Then, he suddenly looks furious, ready to lash out like he always does, instinctively wanting to hate IV for acting like Ryouga could ever be okay with him, but-

Instead, the energy drains out of him all at once. Like a puppet with cut strings, he just feels heavy and numb. He has no right to hate IV anymore, and if he's honest with himself... he hasn't for a while now, anyway. He'd never expected to feel pain at the thought of betraying IV of all people, but in this moment, Ryouga realizes how much he doesn't want this- and it hurts, because he sees what he could've had.

"I know that! Of course I do." he responds, but he sounds so tired. He doesn't know how to respond to IV's words. He needs to close off his heart, so he forces himself to push down every conflicted and screaming part of him he feels - but it leaves him empty, with an expression that's far too cold, even for him.

"We can't change the past. But..." He wants to thank IV, to tell him that he'll remember these words. An even smaller part of him wants to offer him forgiveness. To tell him that he doesn't hate him anymore. But instead, he keeps those words to himself, whispering them in his heart.

"I'm sure Yuma and everyone else will be glad for you. But I don't care. I'll do what I have to do, but don't expect me to get all buddy-buddy with you." His words are cruel, but all he can do is hope that IV doesn't notice the way he doesn't truly mean them.

He smirked watching him react and throw comments back but at the one question his eyes lost its cheerful brightness. Becoming serious. "Yeah what if i did want to see you?" He started a little bit annoyed. "I'm not getting nervous." He knew the topic the other just hinted at and it wasn't something IV wanted to actually open up about. Because yes he was scared this on going attacks to the point of a war would only bring pain to everyone. He had enough of seeing it happen to those around him. Including Shark.

"My fault? So you're saying you hate seeing me? Too bad i'm not leaving. You brought it up and now we are going to talk." He stepped closer making it known he wasnt backing down. "The barians are getting more confident and no doubt they will attack any of us again. Aren't you worried?! They are after Yuma cards he's your friend! And knowing you, you'll jump right into any danger for those you care about! You did it for your sister after all and we know Yuma never stops caring." He paused looking away feeling different rather awkward. "What's wrong with me checking up on you! I trusted you with Tron..And yeah what iv'e done can't be undone but Ryouga are you that much of an idiot- that you don't see me trying to-" He forces himself to stop already rambling his feelings to the point a pained expression clear as day was briefly in his eyes. "Trying to...be okay with..you." He whispered.