#ending sort of bad but i'll maybe fix later i just want to dump

[digitalspool]

thinking about how dr ratio would comfort my oc/self-insert, iris (she is #traumatised) they r so silly

established relationship, potentially ooc? idk if i write ratio correctly lol. will have to go into iris' backstory at some point~

at first dr ratio's confused. he’s never seen iris so vulnerable before — she’s always been so closed off with her emotions, so it’s odd to see her near to tears.

“i’m fine.” her voice is cold, distant. but he can see that she’s not fine — the way her body trembles ever so slightly, she’s biting her lip, her eyes dart about the room nervously.

“clearly, you’re not fine.” dr ratio says, huffing as he draws close to her. his gaze softens as he takes in her appearance. he hates to see her so troubled. his voice is a touch gentler, “you can trust me. i promise i won’t judge. it would be counterproductive to judge you.”

iris hesitates.

“i’m sorry. this is unbecoming of me.” she bites her lip, looking away from him. “i… didn’t really want you to see me like this.”

she walks away, ignoring his looks of concern.

iris has always relied on herself to pick herself back up, because she believes that she isn’t allowed to rely on anyone. she feels that she is not enough for him. that… she shouldn’t be allowed to feel.

he only realises this just a bit too late.

he wants to feel disappointed at her most recent presentation, but... he can't bring himself too. the way she's slumped on the chair, as if lifeless...

he wants her to be like herself again. unsure of how to deal with her state, he falls back into familiar patterns, as if she's a student who's scored a less than adequate score on a test.

“why didn’t you come to me? you've made a complete fool of yourself. it’s foolish of you to not depend on me— you can lean on me!" his own frustration bleeds into his words. he doesn't understand - why isn't she trusting him? are they not close enough? he though...

"why are you being so stubborn? you-” he stops, noticing her fearful expression. just a few words and she’s already shirking away from him. he recognises that maybe he's being a bit too harsh on her... perhaps it's best if he takes a different approach.

“...my apologies." he murmurs. iris' gaze snaps to him. it's feels rare to see him apologise, but dr. ratio is smart enough to know when he's in the wrong. "i care for you, you realise that?” his voice is soft, unlike anything iris has heard before. “it is important that you’re taken care of… otherwise, how will a genius such as yourself flourish?”

a silence. iris still looks afraid of something. he can't tell what, though.

“i’m not allowed.” she whispers, her voice holding a slight tremor, “mother and father says i’m not allowed to feel. that i shouldn’t be so pathetic. that i am not worthy of comfort. seeking out others will lead to ‘punishment’.”

it’s enraging. the fact that she believes that she can’t rely on him, the fact that her parents have driven in the belief that she is not worthy of anything. her words allow him a glimpse of her past. it’s enough for him to realise that she’s experienced something truly harmful.

he wishes he could heal her from her traumatic experiences. but all he can do is hold her close and whisper words of comfort.

“don’t say that." he gently takes her hand and stares into her eyes, searching for any hints of emotion. all he can see is fear, shame and apprehension. "of course you're allowed to feel, don't be foolish. ignore your parents words. confide in me."

she still looks hesitant.

"i'm sorry." she murmurs, nodding at him, giving him permission to hold her close. immediately, he wraps his arms around her, pulling him into his embrace. so what, if the people are watching? her comfort, her emotional state is his priority right now. they can gossip all they want. as long as she's okay.

"don't apologise." he scolds gently. "you're not with your parents anymore, you know that, right? so their words hold no weight."

she nods, feeling her throat tighten, knowing that if she tried speaking, her voice would come out as a pathetic sort of croak. instead, she leans into him, feeling the tears escape her eyes.

it's been so long, since she's cried. it's been so long, since she has indulged in the comfort of another...

for now, dr ratio is simply glad that she's allowing him to comfort her.