Zavien
We may indeed in counsel point to the higher road,
but we cannot compel any free creature to walk upon it.
Grinning at Thorn's relieved sigh, Zavien gives another chuckle, the sound warm and almost giddy despite the cold. "Very excited. I love kids, and I've always wanted to be a dad, but..." He runs a hand through his hair, the smile on his face shrinking slightly with the weight of reality and other emotions. "It's also terrifying. I didn't have a good father figure growing up, so I have no clue what I'm doing," he admits openly with a hint of humor in his eyes. There's no sadness or overwhelming darkness to diminish his joy, only a gentle awareness of where he may be lacking and a quiet willingness to address those shortcomings. He doesn't shrink from it but brings it into the light where it can't sneak up on him.
Zavien pauses as Thorn buys his bell, nodding at the choice, his head transitioning into a wary shake. "No, but one is her best friend and I don't want to make group gatherings awkward to the point she can't truly enjoy them. Soh's the kind of person to put other people's comfort above her happiness." It's one of the many things he loves about her, but he still lets out a sigh, looking to his friend with a concerned expression. "Her taking my side is straining those relationships. Even if she wants to keep seeing them... it's draining." Tiptoeing around topics, defending him, muting her own emotions so they can't be scrutinized.
Sighing, Zavien shakes his head and lifts another gold bell, longing in his eyes. "I wish we could just clear the air and start over so she didn't get stuck in the middle."
Zavien pauses as Thorn buys his bell, nodding at the choice, his head transitioning into a wary shake. "No, but one is her best friend and I don't want to make group gatherings awkward to the point she can't truly enjoy them. Soh's the kind of person to put other people's comfort above her happiness." It's one of the many things he loves about her, but he still lets out a sigh, looking to his friend with a concerned expression. "Her taking my side is straining those relationships. Even if she wants to keep seeing them... it's draining." Tiptoeing around topics, defending him, muting her own emotions so they can't be scrutinized.
Sighing, Zavien shakes his head and lifts another gold bell, longing in his eyes. "I wish we could just clear the air and start over so she didn't get stuck in the middle."
