Don't be an idiot. You can be you and still be good. Nothing about you has to change. You caring about people? That's enough.

[ it wasn't that long ago, or was it? god it's been months, hasn't it. juno looks at kagari a moment before shaking his head. ]

But wow... I didn't think you'd remember that.

[ kagari hadn't brought it up again. and that's fine by juno. honestly, he doesn't need that sort of thing brought up again, or thanks for it. it's true. he promised he'd keep kagari safe, and he had, and he will. he's determined to do so probably because nothing else in that fucked up system wanted to keep him safe.

nureyev's words have always had a way of sticking, reminding him of his pointless name: a goddess of protectors, a guardian of sorts. ]

I meant it. [ the words come out, like they're forced out of him, brow knit a little as he looks down. ]