RP:The Ochanimizu Files; Tenma's Therapy Sessions

[Prettywitchiusaka]

A; Since what?...

Astro then stared at Tenma with curious intent

[Astro Forever]

Tenma: Since O'Shay revived you. I thought I knew you better than anyone, but apparently, a few things had escaped me...

Astro smiled.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

A; Do you think you can do that?

T; I hope so...

A; Well then, maybe I could help you find something once you get out of prison.

This surprises Tenma greatly, paralyzing his speech for a few seoncds before he can even utter another word

T; I...Th-Thank you...I think I'd enjoy that...

Despite his slight emberassment, a small smile is apparent on his face, making Astro happy. Meanwhile, O'Shay can't help but watch in astonished observation.

(O; He seems so much calmer now than he was during the last session...(sighs)But, I guess that was bound to happen...)

[Astro Forever]

(This gets harder to play with Astro in the conversation! )

Tenma quickly reverted back to his usual demeanor. "I'm afraid I may not going to get out of here anytime soon", he said while looking at O'Shay.

O'Shay: It doesn't depend on me, Umataro, it depends on the improvements you will make here. For a start, I think you are disconnected from your emotions. Look how quickly you push aside any kind of emotional reaction, like you just did.

Tenma: You don't know what you are asking me... do you remember all I went through? I wouldn't be able to stand up here otherwise!

[Prettywitchiusaka]

O; Of course I remember. It's because I remember that I can make that kind of analysis.

T; Really? Then what do you propose I do?

O; Well for starters, why don't you describe how you're feeling right now?

T; What?

O; Well, you must be feeling something, so what is it? Is it joy? Sorrow? Nervousness?

[Astro Forever]

Tenma: I'm annoyed because I'm stuck here! I'm useless, there is so much I can do!

O'Shay nodded. "Anything else?"

Tenma: I'm mad that anyone else is in charge of my destiny, like you are at this time!

O'Shay was surprised to get such a frank answer from Tenma.

O'Shay: "Anything more?"

[Prettywitchiusaka]

Tenma merely sighs, attempting to calm himself as hel at Astro

T; Well...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't...happy to see Astro again.

O'Shay is actually surprised at how blunt Tenma is being, but that doesn't stop a big smile from forming on Astro's face

A; I'm happy to see you too...See? That wasn't so hard, right?

O; He's right; that wasn't so hard at all.

T; I suppose...

[Astro Forever]

O'Shay and Astro shared a quiet laugh, followed by Tenma, who, for once, felt how absurd his behavior could be.

At that point, Astro's heart filled with hopes. Would he ever be able to count on a father, his father?

The interview took a more relaxed tone.

O'Shay: What makes you happy about Astro, Umataro?

Tenma: I see a child, my child. Not the child I had thought he would turn to be, but still a young person, enjoying life and hopeful about the future...

[Prettywitchiusaka]

A; Really? You see that?

T; Of course...

This makes Astro smile before he speaks up once again

A; Doctor Tenma...Are you okay with it?

T; With what?

A; With the path I've chosen?

[Astro Forever]

Tenma: Hmmmmm...

O'Shay made a quiet sign to let Astro know that this was a little bit too early...

Tenma: Well, I guess time will tell...

His tone was everything but enthusiastic.

Tenma: As I said earlier, I believe you may not achieve your potential. But I'm no longer in charge... I guess it doesn't really matter.