[You are greeted with the sound of randomly disrupted static, at the end of which three melodic beeping signals are heard. Yep, that's your cue to leave a message!]
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Well, you are both adults. If you wish to get closer to him or if you do not, I can only encourage you to pursue your desires. I can hope for you to be on good terms, but that is only my desire, not something that should hold any sway in your choices.
I want you to focus on what you wish for in life. What will bring you joy. Though that, too, is merely my wish for you. It is your desires that matter the most of all in your life.
[...his life, huh. There's a brief moment of strangeness in his expression before he smiles again.]
Indeed. Whatever me and Five make of our relationship, we'll make it ourselves. Just--expect us to complain about one another a lot, I imagine.
Ah, but to return to your original question... Apart from Lily and Luther, it's D.Va and Serenity who I'm seeing. Although I'm surprised you did not include Absinthe in the list.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:30 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:33 pm (UTC)I'm sure you've noticed that Five can get quite defensive if he as much as thinks his flaws are being pointed out?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:38 pm (UTC)[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?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:43 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:47 pm (UTC)Tell me Hythlodaeus, are you fond of cats?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:49 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:52 pm (UTC)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?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:56 pm (UTC)No, in fact. There's still much about Earth cultures that I don't know.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 02:57 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 03:01 pm (UTC)My, you certainly were a teacher.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 03:05 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 03:11 pm (UTC)[He steals another scone.]
But no, I don't mind the subject. I was simply waiting for you to finish your comparison.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 03:22 pm (UTC)[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.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 03:31 pm (UTC)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?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 03:48 pm (UTC)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?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:08 pm (UTC)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.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:16 pm (UTC)Well, you are both adults. If you wish to get closer to him or if you do not, I can only encourage you to pursue your desires. I can hope for you to be on good terms, but that is only my desire, not something that should hold any sway in your choices.
I want you to focus on what you wish for in life. What will bring you joy. Though that, too, is merely my wish for you. It is your desires that matter the most of all in your life.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:20 pm (UTC)Indeed. Whatever me and Five make of our relationship, we'll make it ourselves. Just--expect us to complain about one another a lot, I imagine.
Ah, but to return to your original question... Apart from Lily and Luther, it's D.Va and Serenity who I'm seeing. Although I'm surprised you did not include Absinthe in the list.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:31 pm (UTC)Ah... Are you lovers with him still?
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:32 pm (UTC)I would say so, yes. I'm still quite infatuated with him, though of course I've no idea if it's reciprocated.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:35 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:39 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:44 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:50 pm (UTC)Oh, I am quite flattered, don't get me wrong. I'm simply greedy for attention.
Re: 349idk
Date: 2021-04-08 04:54 pm (UTC)Re: 349idk
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