Liem thinks him a liar, and it hurts. Deeply and sharply, to be thought of as someone who is false; except, that he has always worked to be seen in certain ways. Not a vulnerable creature, not a weak one. Strength was always part of him, that redheaded god of war — Egypt's unconquered soldier; then, strength had been taken from him by someone he'd loved, forcing him into submission and,
he's always fought to be seen as strong, since then. Someone to believe in, or yield to. And Liem calls him a liar, which hurts so much. ]
You said it first.
[ His voice curls a little, sharpening like brittle glass. Liem is crying, and over what? Altruism? It doesn't serve them, it doesn't protect them, it doesn't mean anything for them or Meridian or the future they're working toward! Does altruism even exist? If so, how is it healthy? HOw is it fair to offer all of oneself and want nothing in return? ]
"I would like to believe this is of no concern to me." [ Like an animal that knows only violence, he pushes back a little. His body tensing, as if ready to tear away from Liem and leave him exposed and upset; he digs his heels in, prickling with anger in place of the misery he's feeling. ]
It either is, or isn't. And so what if the way I love you is lesser, in your eyes? Do you even know what altruism is, to me? It is asking for nothing from you in return. Like you're not worth what you offer. That's stupid!
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Liem thinks him a liar, and it hurts. Deeply and sharply, to be thought of as someone who is false; except, that he has always worked to be seen in certain ways. Not a vulnerable creature, not a weak one. Strength was always part of him, that redheaded god of war — Egypt's unconquered soldier; then, strength had been taken from him by someone he'd loved, forcing him into submission and,
he's always fought to be seen as strong, since then. Someone to believe in, or yield to. And Liem calls him a liar, which hurts so much. ]
You said it first.
[ His voice curls a little, sharpening like brittle glass. Liem is crying, and over what? Altruism? It doesn't serve them, it doesn't protect them, it doesn't mean anything for them or Meridian or the future they're working toward! Does altruism even exist? If so, how is it healthy? HOw is it fair to offer all of oneself and want nothing in return? ]
"I would like to believe this is of no concern to me." [ Like an animal that knows only violence, he pushes back a little. His body tensing, as if ready to tear away from Liem and leave him exposed and upset; he digs his heels in, prickling with anger in place of the misery he's feeling. ]
It either is, or isn't. And so what if the way I love you is lesser, in your eyes? Do you even know what altruism is, to me? It is asking for nothing from you in return. Like you're not worth what you offer. That's stupid!