CONTACT | Call me, maybe

[intercalaryninja]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, HAZYREFLECTION FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 011.04.151.01 *** HAZYREFLECTION has joined 011.04.151.01 <HAZYREFLECTION> Only contact me if it is necessary. <HAZYREFLECTION> Report to me immediately if it's regarding Reira-dono. <HAZYREFLECTION> I will be checking this nightly when possible.

Comments

[sweartoyou]

[...Hm. Well, she was going to leave a message so she could hopefully avoid any displays of weakness or awkwardness, but judging by the default message, uh. Yeah. She’ll just go ahead and roll of her bed and go out to find him.]

Mr. Arachne?

[heeeeere spider spider spider...]

[intercalaryninja]

[He really should change the default message. He hasn't done that since coming to Ryslig. And no one actually pays attention to it.

But Tsukikage's actually a spider again and was just cleaning up the house. He turns when he hears Rachel and he smiles.]

Yes? I'm here. How can I be of assistance?

[sweartoyou]

[She paid attention!!!]

Um... [Okay, okay. Just gotta ask. She's more nervous about the void where she's sure nerves would be, if she were a normal girl like any other, than about what his answer may be.] Doctor Danny... He's my therapist. He said...it would be okay if I had a pet. Can I? It's your house, so I need permission...

[intercalaryninja]

[Yes, he should change it. People rarely contact him about Reira-dono any more anyway.

Tsukikage tilts his head curiously, not sure what to make of her expression, before he gives a gentle smile.]

It is alright. You may have a pet. There's always room for one more. [The hill house does have extra space and Tsukikage's always happy to feed one more.]

What kind of pet is it?

[sweartoyou]

[yesssss. There's a very dim excitement in her eyes, now, though it definitely still isn't the way a kid would usually react to being told they could get a pet of their own.]

Mm, I don't know. Maybe a dog? Or a bird... I didn't want to think about it too much, in case it wasn't allowed. [Those are the ones that always immediately pop into her head, though. Dogs, especially. Preferably one like her puppy, rather than those big dogs... Though they had been good, as well.] The doctor might have something else in mind. It's okay. I've read about a lot of animals.

[intercalaryninja]

[It's not. It's dull, muted excitement. Tsukikage's not sure if that's just how Ray is or if that's a consequence of her parents' abuse. Or both.]

A dog would be nice. Buddy could always use a friend. [Tsukikage's super attached to his big golden retriever. He's getting on with the years but he's a trusted companion.] A bird works too. There's plenty of room for it.

Why did the doctor suggest it? For anything in particular?

[Wanna talk about it?]

[sweartoyou]

[Sorry, she's just blinking up in confusion now. Like...what kind of particular thing...]

I...like animals? I want one...

[What Do You Mean Therapists Suggest Pets For Legitimate Reasons]

[intercalaryninja]

Ah, I see. Some therapists recommend having pets in order to help their clients recover from an incident or have something to care for and focus on. I assumed when you said 'doctor' it was the same instance.

[He should really talk to this therapist at some point. Not to interfere but if he's the caretaker, he wants to help.]

[sweartoyou]

[mmmm]

I was...seeing him for that reason. But I don't think this...is the same. What is a dog supposed to do about the things that happened?

[intercalaryninja]

Animals have a long history of inclusion in psychiatric treatment. Typically a dog is supposed to increase mood and add another level of socialization for you. Investment in a dog would help restore a connection with a viable self and a possible future.

[He may only know this because he's been talking to a human psychiatrist for his hallucinations.]

[sweartoyou]

Ah.

[...is there an ulterior motive to letting her have a pet, is she supposed to just throw away her promise just like that]

I don't think that will happen. Except for the mood part. Having something that's mine...I would be very happy.

[intercalaryninja]

[It only happens for some. Tsukikage is still very concerned about how death-seeking Ray is but he puts it aside for the moment.]

Well, that's all you really need. You may have a dog. Would you like me to take you to the shelter so we can find one for you? Or do you already have one in mind?

[sweartoyou]

[um wow she seeks a very specific death, not just any death! cut her even more slack than has clearly been cut.]

Mm-mm. I don't know if Dr. Danny has plans about it already, since it was his idea...

[intercalaryninja]

[He's very good at cutting slack, excuse you.]

Well, let me know what the verdict is, alright? I'll help you in any way I can, Ray.

[sweartoyou]

[She nods firmly, looking a bit pleased with this whole situation. It's...a good day. A good conversation that went well because a good man listened to her.]

Thank you, Mr. Arachne. I know. You've already helped me a lot.

[intercalaryninja]

[Tsukikage's glad that she thinks he's good. He hopes that she knows he thinks she's a wonderful and good kid as well.]

It's what I do. I live to help. [Help... not serve anymore. He lives to help others and not just serve the Having a number of charges to look after has helped him too.]

Make sure you look after whatever dog you get.