[Which seems like such a... throwaway sort of comment over text, though Ardyn does mean it. He can sympathize with the boy in his own way.]
I won't be so presumptuous to say that I know exactly what that feels like, but I didn't exactly have the most caring parents, either. Or rather, they cared about the unimportant things. My advice is to allow yourself to lean on those that would offer you support; don't just sweep it under the rug and hope the emotions go away.
That being said, Detective Gabranth was being an ass. You don't really think you're an "inconvenience" to anyone, do you?
it's kind of hard to not think i am. my father left when i was so young that i can't even remember his name or face. and my mother made a point of reminding me that it was because of me the reason he left. that looking after a kid "broke" him and really made a mess of the love they had for one another and that's why she needed to be in a better place and how inconvenient it was that i was still around, that if i wasn't she could just move on with her life
[this is becoming more erratic text as he continues...]
i grew up doing my best to not be in anyone's way. it took me so long to have one friend
and i'm still scared i'll let him down by being too much of me so i try i really try
i know the world isn't fair and my situation is just an excuse but it still hurts, to think that after spending so long trying to be better than that inconvenient kid i used to be, being like this is not enough
[he was #triggered by the 'you're better off dead' remark, okay]
i know i shouldnt but every adult i meet i try so hard to make them like me i guess it'll make me feel better to think if i met my dad again or my mum again they wouldnt just flat out hate me
[Ardyn lets the texts come uninterrupted, reading over each one once, twice, before he considers a response. This young man -- for a long time Ardyn only knew him as cheerful and smiling. A bright, enthusiastic face that sometimes sat in during his lectures, just for the sake of keeping his friend awake, and to eagerly learn of subjects unrelated to his actual major. In many ways, he was even more attentive than the majority of his students.
But reading all of this, the cracks in the facade are starting to show. The insecurities are rising to the forefront, and with Prompto explaining his unfortunate family situation to him, Ardyn can see why he had reacted the way he did to Gabranth's thoughtlessness.
And as much as Ardyn hides it under his veneer of superciliousness and flippancy, the man is somewhat of a bleeding heart. This is difficult to read, and he can only imagine Prompto's expression as he's texting all of this to him.]
You're not an inconvenience. You're not in anyone's way.
[That part comes out automatically, easily sent. The rest comes swiftly later, though Ardyn takes time to consider his words more carefully.]
Parents should never place blame upon their children for just existing. It's irresponsible, and it's wrong. [And it makes them feel like this, years later.] You're a human being, not an object to be labelled as "inconvenient" and to be moved out of the way. People like you, Prompto. They enjoy your company, I've seen many examples of this just passing you by while on campus. The world would be lacking without your presence in it.
And I hope you don't feel obligated to try so hard when you're around me. I'd rather you feel comfortable, rather than constantly concerned about impressing me one way or another. I even imagine that Fynn would feel the same way, if you ever decide to visit again.
[Because yes, that's an open invitation. Ardyn knows he can't hope to replace real family, but he'll offer his support if Prompto requires it. He has no doubt that Fynn would, as well, never mind how oblivious he could be at times.]
[his reply comes several minutes later, despite being 'read']
i try my best to never forget that i'm not alone i just couldn't help the way i reacted to the comment. it was upsetting you're very smart sir i just generally hope to learn from you, and fynn's actually kinda fun
[he is being himself, by being the prompto you see every day. he just couldn't be that when he was a kid.]
There's no need to apologize. I was checking because I wanted to, not because I felt obligated. In any case, you're right to be upset. I would be too. Us scorpios are sensitive souls. [A small attempt to lighten the mood.]
But if you ever find yourself wanting to talk to someone while you "recharge", you may call or text at anytime.
Everyone always thinks scorpios are "mysterious and intense", but the truth of the matter is that we're all wrapped up too much in our own heads, and in a fit of emotion, we end up stinging ourselves. Imagery that I'll never forget, having read it in a book once.
[Is it surprising that Ardyn's read something on astrology before? It shouldn't be. He's always had a thing for the stars.]
i'm october 25! this is pretty cool... i guess you could say the mysterious and intense is for ourselves because our emotions and thoughts are just that.. a mystery and intensity. never thought you were into astrology? this may explain why we get along haha
The night sky has always been alluring to me. The stars are just a part of the package. But I’m no expert, sadly. It’s a passing interest at best.
[Noctis’ place? At least he’s in the company of friends, and an important one at that, which Ardyn seems to find satisfactory.]
Nothing quite like the company of a sleeping cat. [Ardyn has been forced to live the catlyfe thanks to his nephews. He has a whole new appreciation for the creatures.] You’ll be back to your old self in no time.
i like photographing it but if i want a real good picture i gotta go to the woods, somewhere dark where there isn't much light pollution i can show you what i come up with next time i go?
yeah i'll be more careful. i think the nurse at the clinic will get mad if i have to get it stitched up a third time haha
not a fan of the wild fauna sir? and actually more along the lines of some guys forcing kids to jump off a cliff into a lake at knife point the real kind of dangers *humans*
[after the meat of this conversation, it's really a miracle prompto isn't all that more cynical about people in general to be fair]
nah generally i try to think the best of people but you gotta admit there's some real messed up individuals around still! knowledge is power so i keep my wits about me
The most level-headed way to go about it, else you may go insane mulling over the propensity of terrible things humanity is capable of. You should read some of the cases I've studied over the years.
no subject
Would you prefer to talk about it?
no subject
nothing like a topping of loving family memories to make my day
no subject
[Which seems like such a... throwaway sort of comment over text, though Ardyn does mean it. He can sympathize with the boy in his own way.]
I won't be so presumptuous to say that I know exactly what that feels like, but I didn't exactly have the most caring parents, either. Or rather, they cared about the unimportant things. My advice is to allow yourself to lean on those that would offer you support; don't just sweep it under the rug and hope the emotions go away.
That being said, Detective Gabranth was being an ass. You don't really think you're an "inconvenience" to anyone, do you?
1/2
[this is becoming more erratic text as he continues...]
i grew up doing my best to not be in anyone's way. it took me so long to have one friend
no subject
i know the world isn't fair and my situation is just an excuse but it still hurts, to think that after spending so long trying to be better than that inconvenient kid i used to be, being like this is not enough
[he was #triggered by the 'you're better off dead' remark, okay]
3/3 I LIED
['mum,' 'dad;' he just really wants a family..]
1/2
But reading all of this, the cracks in the facade are starting to show. The insecurities are rising to the forefront, and with Prompto explaining his unfortunate family situation to him, Ardyn can see why he had reacted the way he did to Gabranth's thoughtlessness.
And as much as Ardyn hides it under his veneer of superciliousness and flippancy, the man is somewhat of a bleeding heart. This is difficult to read, and he can only imagine Prompto's expression as he's texting all of this to him.]
You're not an inconvenience. You're not in anyone's way.
[That part comes out automatically, easily sent. The rest comes swiftly later, though Ardyn takes time to consider his words more carefully.]
Parents should never place blame upon their children for just existing. It's irresponsible, and it's wrong. [And it makes them feel like this, years later.] You're a human being, not an object to be labelled as "inconvenient" and to be moved out of the way. People like you, Prompto. They enjoy your company, I've seen many examples of this just passing you by while on campus. The world would be lacking without your presence in it.
my heart
[Because yes, that's an open invitation. Ardyn knows he can't hope to replace real family, but he'll offer his support if Prompto requires it. He has no doubt that Fynn would, as well, never mind how oblivious he could be at times.]
Re: my heart
Re: my heart
[his reply comes several minutes later, despite being 'read']
i try my best to never forget that i'm not alone
i just couldn't help the way i reacted to the comment. it was upsetting
you're very smart sir i just generally hope to learn from you, and fynn's actually kinda fun
[he is being himself, by being the prompto you see every day. he just couldn't be that when he was a kid.]
i'm just recharging now
Re: my heart
no subject
But if you ever find yourself wanting to talk to someone while you "recharge", you may call or text at anytime.
no subject
you're also a scorpio?
no subject
Everyone always thinks scorpios are "mysterious and intense", but the truth of the matter is that we're all wrapped up too much in our own heads, and in a fit of emotion, we end up stinging ourselves. Imagery that I'll never forget, having read it in a book once.
[Is it surprising that Ardyn's read something on astrology before? It shouldn't be. He's always had a thing for the stars.]
no subject
i guess you could say the mysterious and intense is for ourselves because our emotions and thoughts are just that.. a mystery and intensity.
never thought you were into astrology?
this may explain why we get along haha
no subject
um
he's that one first friend i made in school
i think i'll be fine soon
no subject
[Noctis’ place? At least he’s in the company of friends, and an important one at that, which Ardyn seems to find satisfactory.]
Nothing quite like the company of a sleeping cat. [Ardyn has been forced to live the catlyfe thanks to his nephews. He has a whole new appreciation for the creatures.] You’ll be back to your old self in no time.
And don’t forget to take care of your arm.
no subject
but if i want a real good picture i gotta go to the woods, somewhere dark where there isn't much light pollution
i can show you what i come up with next time i go?
yeah i'll be more careful. i think the nurse at the clinic will get mad if i have to get it stitched up a third time haha
no subject
[Don't you know that's how all horror movies start.]
no subject
[on a not date]
that's actually a good idea! i read a camping trip story gone wrong in the woods on one of those old /x/ sites a few weeks ago actually...
no subject
Eaten by bears? Fell into the campfire? Drained of blood via a swarm of mosquitoes?
Needless to say, I'm not much of a camping person, myself.
no subject
and actually more along the lines of some guys forcing kids to jump off a cliff into a lake at knife point
the real kind of dangers
*humans*
no subject
Regardless, merely one more reason why you'll never find me camping out in the wilderness.
no subject
nah generally i try to think the best of people
but you gotta admit there's some real messed up individuals around
still! knowledge is power so i keep my wits about me
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)