Davin hadn't thought of the possibility of propaganda at all, and didn't seem to notice the painting until they were too close, too close for Tohru to be able to pull him away, and then he saw it and the color was draining from his face, his eyes going wide and a strange, choking sound leaving his throat.
And the Skies Turned Gold (Reboot) // OxO // Closed
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Tohru, still a little stunned himself, snapped out of it when he heard Davin’s response.
“D-Davin…” he choked out, turning as he made the realization.
He placed himself between Davin and the painting, trying to redirect his gaze.
“Davin, look at me,” he said, “L-let’s move on.”
Davin dragged his eyes to Tohru, gaze shaky and breathing shuddering. "I…I thought…" I thought this area would be safe.
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“Davin, are you okay?” Tohru asked, “I’m sorry I didn’t notice in time. I-“
I was distracted…
"I…" He was shaking a little, not having been prepared to see something like this, not prepared for this level of hatred towards his people.
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“Hey, hey, it’s gonna be alright,” Tohru soothed.
Yet he felt like there was a brick sitting in his chest. He was barely okay himself, even though this wasn’t his trauma. Even then, it was horrifying.
“Deep breaths, hold onto me if you need,” he said softly.
(gtg soon sorry)
Davin kept his eyes on Tohru, trying not to break down. "I'm…I'm sorry, I…" He swallowed, trying to calm down, but it wasn't working.
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(Okay, see you later!)
Tohru turned and scanned the hall to find a bathroom.
“Here, wanna hide out in the bathroom for a minute while you collect yourself? I know it sucks. It bothers me too… but you’re gonna be okay. He tried to keep his voice calm, but the guilt clawing at the inside his chest was almost unbearable.
(nvm, back for a little bit!)
Davin nodded a little bit, breathing coming in faint, shaky breaths. This shouldn't have affected him so strongly, but he had let his guard down, had gotten comfortable and now he was paying the price.
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Tohru nudged him on to the bathroom, trying to reassure him as they went.
“Davin, gods… you gotta breathe. H-hey, breathe with me, now.”
He took in a slow, deep inhale, trying to keep Davin’s focus on him.
Davin blinked, walking with Tohru and trying to push away the memory of that painting, but he had dropped his guard and now he didn't know how to fix it.
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Tohru cast a worried gaze over Davin, yet he moved on to hold the bathroom door open for him. The bathroom was empty at the moment, which was a relief.
"Alright, let it out if you have to. I'm not completely sure how to help, but… but of course, if there's anything I can do, let me know."
Davin went into the bathroom, leaning against the wall and tipping his face to the ceiling. "I-I'm s-sorry, I don't…usually react like this, I just…I wasn't…e-expecting it, and…"
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"You're fine," Tohru said, "It's okay if you do react like this. I don't care- I mean, I do care, but like… in the best way possible."
He smiled halfheartedly.
"We can stay out of there as long as you need. I-I'll make sure to watch out for you a little closer once we head back out. I'm sorry I let that slip past me…"
"It's okay…it's not your fault, I…" he shook his head a little, letting out a breath and trying to calm down.
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"I know, but-"
It's totally my fault…
"I can at least try to help you out," Tohru offered, "I mean, that's the least I can do."
He nodded a little. "Alright…but it's not…you don't need to take responsibility for…for everything."
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Tohru was a little taken aback by the suggestion.
"I'm n-not," he said, almost defensively, "But are you okay? Seriously? You're still quite pale."
He shrugged. "I-I'm…I'll be okay." he replied softly, closing his eyes.
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"If you're sure," Tohru said, "That said, if you would rather leave, I'd understand."
He let out a soft sigh, kind of relieved, but also kind of sad. He couldn't even imagine what Davin was feeling.
"I'm…I would…I would be alright with…staying…if you want to…" he said slowly.
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"I'm asking you," Tohru insisted, "And if it bothers you to stay here, I don't want to be here either. That kind of shit bothers me too, you know. And well… we do run the risk of seeing it again, so… it's your call. I don't want to reopen any kind of wounds."
(gtg now sorry)
Davin nodded a little bit. "It's…we can stay, I just…need to be careful. I don't want to see that again."
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(bye!)
"I'll lead the way," Tohru offered, "If you do feel like we need to leave at any point, though, just tell me, okay?"
He sighed and leaned up against the counter.
"The last thing I want is for you to have to feel like this."
Davin nodded a little bit. "I will…thank you." he replied quietly, looking over at Tohru and offering up a faint, slightly wobbly little smile.
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“Just let me know when you’re ready,” Tohru said gently.
He tried to smile back, but worry was already etched into his face.
Davin nodded, taking a few more minutes to steady himself. "Okay– I'm…I'm alright now."
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“You sure?” Tohru asked, walking towards the door.
He tilted his head in the direction of the door.
Davin nodded a little, taking a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm fine now."
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“Alright,” Tohru said, not quite convinced.
He led the way back out and carefully scanned the hall ahead for any more disturbing paintings. He hoped it would be the only one, but he had his doubts.