[ The kiss is appreciated and results in Will giving Malcolm a real hug. It's not often that Will comes across as clingy, but that's usually because Malcolm's higher energy has him reaching out first. ]
I suspect Walter might've started at least some of it on his own. Everything about him seems...performative, at all times. He's crafting a narrative to his liking, but I have no idea why. Whatever it is, he hasn't realized it's counterproductive yet.
[ But that wasn't what they'd been talking about. ]
And I do want to do it...one-on-one counseling. I just don't want to...leave a person worse off. Push too hard, just because that's how every psychiatrist I've ever known does it. Try to trick someone's mind into 'behaving'. I never want anyone to go through the sorts of therapy I have, and it just-
[ He lets out a sigh. ]
I want to help. I know I can help. But what if I slip into old, well-worn personas and make things worse?
You didn’t do that to me. [It’s a simple statement of fact, stated with a soft matter-of-factness.] And boy you could have. I’d do anything for you. You could have twisted me into so many knots, if you wanted to. You not only didn’t, you made it very clear that you chose your approach to helping me with some of my problems specifically to avoid doing that. Even if it would take longer.
[ The way Will's eyes widen make it clear that he didn't expect this argument. He thinks of ways in which it might not be true- he actually cares about Malcolm, for one thing- but discards them for now. They all stem from the same place, a fear that he's disproven. He doesn't want to be subsumed by Hannibal.
He knew Malcolm had always believed in him, but he didn't know how aware Malcolm was about the possibilities. His smile is a little fragile, only because of the depth of the feelings threatening to break through it. ]
Didn't want to give you any extra reasons to regret being with me. ...you're right. I have my own way of doing things.
[ He takes a deep breath and lets it out. ]
Just have to acknowledge the worry and...push through it, probably. The fog today hasn't helped.
You might have some elements of him in you, but you're not him. You don't want to hurt people who are vulnerable and need your help. If anything, the people you want to hurt are the kind that prey on that.
[He snuggles more into the crook of Will's shoulder, lifting his head to lightly nuzzle his cheek.]
I think the fog is meant to be counterproductive. It didn't raise my usual nightmares. It raised the things that this place reminds me of on the worst days. It wants us to be.... weak, for some reason.
Re: Day 1 of the You're Not Here event, audio
I suspect Walter might've started at least some of it on his own. Everything about him seems...performative, at all times. He's crafting a narrative to his liking, but I have no idea why. Whatever it is, he hasn't realized it's counterproductive yet.
[ But that wasn't what they'd been talking about. ]
And I do want to do it...one-on-one counseling. I just don't want to...leave a person worse off. Push too hard, just because that's how every psychiatrist I've ever known does it. Try to trick someone's mind into 'behaving'. I never want anyone to go through the sorts of therapy I have, and it just-
[ He lets out a sigh. ]
I want to help. I know I can help. But what if I slip into old, well-worn personas and make things worse?
Re: Day 1 of the You're Not Here event, audio
Re: Day 1 of the You're Not Here event, audio
He knew Malcolm had always believed in him, but he didn't know how aware Malcolm was about the possibilities. His smile is a little fragile, only because of the depth of the feelings threatening to break through it. ]
Didn't want to give you any extra reasons to regret being with me. ...you're right. I have my own way of doing things.
[ He takes a deep breath and lets it out. ]
Just have to acknowledge the worry and...push through it, probably. The fog today hasn't helped.
Re: Day 1 of the You're Not Here event, audio
[He snuggles more into the crook of Will's shoulder, lifting his head to lightly nuzzle his cheek.]
I think the fog is meant to be counterproductive. It didn't raise my usual nightmares. It raised the things that this place reminds me of on the worst days. It wants us to be.... weak, for some reason.