IC Inbox: Empatheias

[young_oldman]

[Your birds might get a little plump on bird seeds. Just saying.]

Comments

[opportunitycosts]

[He so wants to once again point how stupid and literal Lu Meng is taking his words and then promptly ignoring the actual meaning behind them, but he just throws up a hand and sighs, shaking his head.]

Welcome to the "adults who have kids babysitting them" club, then. [Because he's had those kids babysit him for a while now, and they still do to a degree.]

If there's one thing my friends have taught me is that despite how they look or what age they are, kids are a hell lot smarter, stronger, and more mature than us adults. You're right that they shouldn't have to look after us, but have you considered Shun's feelings? What if he wants to help take that burden? Have you ever thought that he wants to help you? And have you ever thought that you actually need that help?

[young_oldman]

You say that like it's something to be proud off. Don't. If an adult needs a child to take care of him, then he has much to be ashamed off.

And if there's one thing I've learned is that children over-estimate their abilities. I may need that help, but it should not have to come from Shun. Yes, he has his cantus and that's a powerful tool for him to protect himself. But he's not trained to keep up with battles. He certainly couldn't keep up with the fight today. I'm sure if it was just him there, I would have injured him.

Shun thinks he can handle the stress of living with me, but I know it's weighing down on him mentally and emotionally. Even if it's what he wants, it's not what he needs. What he needs is a place where he can be safe, where he doesn't have to be on his guard at every waking second. He's needs a place where he can be happy and protected, and that's not with me anymore.

[opportunitycosts]

[Sarcasm wars are great. He has to bite back at again how stupid he's being because he knows Lu Mneg isn't exactly in the greatest of positions to have a discussion that's anymore heated than this.

So he just closes his eyes, taps his finger against his arm, and then exhales before responding.]

The kid's what, fifteen? He can live on his own, Lu Meng—a lot of teenagers his age are actually qualified to work in this place and a lot of the ones from other worlds are on their own.

But if he needs to actually be with someone, then why are you arguing? Pretty obvious that either he moves in with someone or you move out and someone moves in your place.

I mean, you seem pretty happy on going off on your own already.

[Now he's really pushing it, some of that impatience and frustration seeping through.]