[That makes him pause, and the look in his eyes finally softens.]
That's the first good reason you've given me.
[He understands it well, too. Many, many memories are too painful to speak of, too difficult to share. It's understandable that it would be easier for them to just bury or ignore it, if it hurts too much to think about, let alone share. Just thinking about how much pain he's endured in such a short life makes it difficult to fathom the weight they must be carrying, having existed as long as they have, knowing what they know.]
You... don't have to. If it hurts too much, I won't force you. [His lips quirk a little, briefly upturned.] Don't think I could if I wanted to, anyway. Just... make sure that you're holding back for the right reasons, yeah?
[None of that "others have suffered" or "others are more important" bullshit. He's felt the same way himself, and he can still recognize that it's a bad way to think about problems.]
no subject
That's the first good reason you've given me.
[He understands it well, too. Many, many memories are too painful to speak of, too difficult to share. It's understandable that it would be easier for them to just bury or ignore it, if it hurts too much to think about, let alone share. Just thinking about how much pain he's endured in such a short life makes it difficult to fathom the weight they must be carrying, having existed as long as they have, knowing what they know.]
You... don't have to. If it hurts too much, I won't force you. [His lips quirk a little, briefly upturned.] Don't think I could if I wanted to, anyway. Just... make sure that you're holding back for the right reasons, yeah?
[None of that "others have suffered" or "others are more important" bullshit. He's felt the same way himself, and he can still recognize that it's a bad way to think about problems.]