008M | voice;

[toobig]

Hi, uh, everyone.

[Bertholdt's never broadcasted his voice to the Network before, but he sounds the same to anyone who'd know him, probably, despite sounding a bit more nervous than usual.]

I haven't posted on here in a while, I guess... things have been busy. I hope everyone had a good Christmas. Er, holiday you celebrate. Or don't celebrate. Whatever.

[He swallows, and there's a sound of his fingers tapping against something.]

I guess I just wanted to... check up on everyone. Things have been... really bad lately, so...

But I guess good things... can come out of this whole thing too, sometimes. [His voice grows sheepish.] Ryan and I... are engaged now. S-so there's that.

It's my birthday too, so... I'm just glad I managed to live another year, you know? All of this is awful, but...

[He trails off, before he clears his throat and tries to focus.]

Just-- I hope everyone is doing okay.

Comments

[toobig]

O-oh... I meant my birthday, mostly.

The engagement is really nice though... I didn't think he'd ask...

[anequal]

Oh come on, man! Have confidence! He's super duper uber in love with you!!

[toobig]

H-he is... I know! I just... don't have a lot of self confidence, that's all. Like you said...

[anequal]

Bro we gotta work on that.

We gotta work on your confidence.

[toobig]

You're not the first one to say that to me, believe it or not.

[anequal]

Help Mr. Bertholdt Become More Confident: the Operation.

[toobig]

I-I guess you could try...

[anequal]

I'll do it!

I'll follow you around, and every time you put yourself down I go "NO."

[toobig]

You... really don't have to do that....

[anequal]

Yes I do! I do!

I mean you're still cool and great even if you're always freaking out but

come on!

[toobig]

I'm... I'm not always freaking out... am I...?

[anequal]

Ooooonly a little?

[toobig]

.... Really?

[anequal]

Really really. It's nothing bad, but you know.