un: abnormalitylover, voice

[abnormalizes]

How do I get my friends to not be upset when I talk about life at home?

It's not like they can do anything about it or like bad things are happening here now, so I mostly just feel bad for making them feel bad and making the conversation really awkward.

Is this a normal part of having friends? It sucks and I would like to opt out, please.

Comments

smh!!

[abnormalizes]

I guess it might be good to talk to a professional about it... But do you think any therapist in Ellipsa is prepared to deal with that?

[kingside]

I didn't say it was likely to happen.

[abnormalizes]

It'd be nice. Right now the person I'm most comfortable talking to about it is you, so.

[Lelouch probably also would like to let a professional handle it.]

[kingside]

Regrettably, I'm not a therapist.

[And he has... you know, sort of a questionable history when it comes to discussing anyone's trauma, to say nothing of his own, so. Yep.]

[abnormalizes]

Yeah, I know. I feel bad about making you listen to this stuff when you're not even getting paid for it.

[kingside]

[Sigh.]

More specifically, I regret that I can only offer you a willing ear and nothing in the way of treatment. Advice, perhaps, but nothing informed by specific psychological theories or practices. It may very well do more harm than good.

[abnormalizes]

I mean, a willing ear and a lack of judgment or pity is pretty nice in itself. Even if the advice isn't always the best, I appreciate just the listening part.

[kingside]

Then I suppose I'll continue to offer that.

[abnormalizes]

Thanks, Lelouch. You're a good friend.

[Better than he'd give himself credit for, for sure.]

[kingside]

[SIGHS TO HIMSELF OFFSCREEN.]

Just don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.

[abnormalizes]

I promise not to reveal your secret identity as a decent person.

[kingside]

[Gods that is far too close to home.]

I appreciate it.

[abnormalizes]

No problem. I'm pretty sure I'm still getting the better end of the deal here.

[kingside]

I wouldn't go so far. Speaking to you is oddly refreshing.

[abnormalizes]

Huh, that's a new one for me. I'll take it though.

[kingside]

Your perspective is drastically different from most people's, so yes, I'd say "refreshing" is appropriate. Also bizarre and unsettling, but not in a bad way most of the time.

[abnormalizes]

Huh! Huh. That makes sense, I guess?

[She sounds... uncharacteristically embarrassed.]

[kingside]

[The strangest things fluster her, really, which is sort of par for the course, so. Sure, Evangeline.]

I can call you "weird" if that would be easier to stomach.

[abnormalizes]

No, I mean - I'm used to weird so that'd be fine, but compliments are nice too?

[kingside]

[This response is somewhat more bewildering, but okay.]

I'll remember it.

[abnormalizes]

Thanks, sorry.

[It's weird getting compliments from people she's not sleeping with.]

If you ever need me to call some hoity-toity noble a fucker again, I am here for you.

[kingside]

You're welcome, and I appreciate. Should I encounter one who's deserving, you'll be the first to know.

wrapup probably

[abnormalizes]

Any time, just say the word!

ye

[kingside]

The same to you, Evangeline, should you need someone to talk to.