weenwoon | Imeeji IC Inbox

[or DOES HE]

You're free to assume what you want.

Well, if you are lovers should I offer congratulations?

[He laughs!]

No, there's no need... Yet, at least. Besides, he's a little too short for my tastes.

Oh? Do you only like them extremely tall?

But on that note I do not believe I even know of all your lovers. Lily of course, and Luther. Are there others I should be aware of?

[--wait a moment.]

Oh--did Luther tell you?

Five mentioned it. Was it meant to be a secret?

Five knows?..

[Hmmm.]

Not a secret as such, no. I just haven't mentioned it to anyone yet.

[He sighs.]

Well, I don't know if the lack of a lecture and threats to bury me alive is good or worrying.

[He chuckles a little.]

Is that your concern? Well, I could could suggest to him to send a few threats your way.

I'm not certain if he feels particularly... fond of me right now. He got rather angry with me during our last conversation about Luther.

And why is that?

[He shrugs lightly.]

I'm sure you've noticed that Five can get quite defensive if he as much as thinks his flaws are being pointed out?

I have not noticed such.

[He taps his lips thoughtfully.]

But no one likes to feel judged, whether or not they are being judged in truth. Did some criticism come up?

Not so much a criticism as an observation. I mentioned something about Luther's past that Five did not know about, though he confessed to realizing something must have happened. I asked him why he didn't just ask Luther about it and, well... He was quite incredulous at the question and remarked that Luther didn't ask him about his past, and even if he had done so Five would just get annoyed. To which I said that perhaps the reason is that Five is quite abrasive... and he saw that as an insult, I suppose.

[He tilts his head thoughtfully.]

Tell me Hythlodaeus, are you fond of cats?

Duality has some. They're quite cute!

They are! If you befriend them they can be so affectionate, loyal, and loving.

But do you know in many cultures they have quite bad reputations? Many people are under the impression they are aloof, cold, and unsociable creatures. Do you know why?

[Well he can see where this is going but alright, he'll bite.]

No, in fact. There's still much about Earth cultures that I don't know.

Venture a guess for me then. It is not just Earth where misconceptions abound.

[He raises his eyebrows.]

My, you certainly were a teacher.

Was that ever in doubt? We may drop the subject if you wish, though I do find cats a fascinating topic myself.

Oh, I did not doubt it. But it, too, is fascinating to watch you use the same techniques, as it were, in mundane conversation, although I will admit that it does leave me feeling like a child.

[He steals another scone.]

But no, I don't mind the subject. I was simply waiting for you to finish your comparison.

Forgive an old man his habits then. I know you are no child.

[He pours them both more tea and sits back with his.]

But my point was this; humans are often friendly, and in that nature, straightforward and kind. Of course I mean our people too.

But what may be friendly and straightforward to a normal person, is at best rude, and at worst quite aggressive and even threatening to a cat. Many people approach cats with the best intentions, only to be scratched, hissed at, and ran away from. And so they are left with the idea cats are unsociable jerks, with short tempers and fickle whims. And the cats are left with the idea humans are rude and thoughtless, or even a threat. And as encounters go on this way, it merely gets more frustrating to both sides.

And yet it is all a matter of speaking a different language without realizing it.

[Sipsip his own tea!]

But it is much harder for animals and people to understand each other, while we can actually communicate. If you would have Luther - or myself - put in more effort in understanding Five, is it not fair to expect the same of him?

Ah, but I am speaking to you, not Five. And I do not know what Five desires of you. Nor, truly, what you desire of him either.

But it's a matter of patience. I do not expect you to expend effort on things that are of no interest to you. On the other hand, if you desire something, then do not simply expect the other party to desire it too. Never enter into anything expecting a return on your investment in it. Attempt things because you wish to see them through, and no other reason.

If you wish to learn how to engage with Five without conflict, do it because you wish to, and do not place the expectation that he has the same wish on him. And if you do not wish to bother, if the possibility that he may not be interested in the first place keeps you from wishing to develope a rapport where he may or may not open to you, then in turn, use that energy on other things.

So tell me, what is it you wish for, with Five?

Edited 2021-04-08 15:48 (UTC)

[He hums thoughtfully.]

To tell you the truth... Nothing in particular. Or rather... Hmmm.

[He finishes the rest of his tea, then reaches to pour himself some more.]

I think he is insecure when it comes to his siblings because he cares about them but he's aware that he isn't too good at communicating with them. I do hope he gets better at it, but it's not something I have influence over, nor something I feel responsible for fixing. But I will never hesitate to point it out to him when he's being stupid about it, and I likely would confront him if he ever hurts Luther purposefully.

I do still see him positively and consider him a friend, but... Much like you said, I should not - and now, do not, - expect the same of him. We were pushed together because of our ties to Alexander instead of growing closer like regular friends, and I think that introduces an element of friction--not to mention the fact that he sees me as a threat to Alexander's well-being.

[He shrugs.]

I have my own grievances with Five, but that's for us to resolve, if the need ever arises. As things stand right now... No, there is nothing in particular I wish for. We are both stubborn and likely will continue butting heads. Perhaps we'll come to dislike each other in time, but I think that as long as we can set that aside when necessary, there's no real problem.

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