Support
(Major spoilers if you haven't read Vol 51 yet)
'Focus.'
Black had been staying with White for a few weeks since his return. The media wasted no time desperately trying to contact Black for interviews. He was thankful White was handling all news outlets and the like; she was very stern about anyone aside from close friends and family disturbing him.
Black grabbed the remote and turned on the news; just now, a reporter was trying to get answers out of White.
"Excuse me, Miss White?"
The camera was on her now. She turned to face the reporter.
"Will he ever be the same?"
His stomach turned.
"No." Her answer was quick and she paused. "No one should expect that from him given the circumstances. We ask for your respect and consideration of his privacy during this difficult time."
A flock of reporters had surrounded her now, all asking more questions at once.
"No further comments will be made. Thank you."
He unleashed a sigh of relief and instantly turned the tv off. She sounded so calm and professional. There was no doubt she was a natural on camera. After all, she was Prez. To his surprise, she requested to him and his parents to take on the media for him.
"Please allow me to handle the media," White suddenly announced during dinner. The two were at his parents' house the evening Black returned.
"Prez, I'll be fine. You have your company to manage."
"Please. I insist."
His parents nodded in approval. "She's a pro when it comes to the media, son."
"I… alright. Thank you, Prez."
At the back of his mind, he knew the entire world was watching him. Waiting.
Why was it becoming so hard to concentrate on anything now? Despite being free again, why did he feel so trapped?
"Black, you're not eating." She was more than halfway done with her plate while he hardly touched his. Her face showed worry and concern.
"I know… I'm sorry."
She stood from her chair and made her way to him. She sat on her knees next to him. "It's alright. I can imagine this must be difficult."
"It must have been hard on you and everyone too. I've made you all worry so much."
"And that's not your fault. Listen Black," she set her hands on his wrists in midst, "no one is expecting you to improve right away. What happened to you was something no one should experience."
"Just my luck, huh?" Black commented with a half-grin. "That's what I get for being too involved."
"You need to understand this was not your fault. It's because of you Unova is safe. You are the strongest and most incredible person I know."
He stayed silent.
"You've done your part for the world. Now it is our turn to help you. Everyone is here for you. I will do everything in my power to make sure you're safe. So please… don't blame yourself…" Tears were forming on her face.
He swallowed hard at her words. They were so powerful to him. Watching her in tears was too much for him. He felt so helpless. He could only wipe away her tears. And then he set his arms around her as the two quietly sobbed against each other.
"I'm sorry for all the pain this is causing you. We… we need time."
White only nodded between sobs.
"You've done so much for me, Prez. You don't need to do this."
She shook her head. "I-I want to. It's my obligation as your… Prez. You'd do the same if it was me."
Black nodded, prompting a small smile from her. "Thank you, Prez."