Valdis arched a brow, regarding him with a new sense of curiosity, "For all your outward confidence, you really are quite insecure, aren't you."
In a way, it made sense. He hid everything behind a mask, even his insecurity and especially his fear. She could probably blame it all on his family, and then Bobby, for manipulating him in such a way. Just like her, he had probably never known love, but she had the added defense of her empathy, he couldn't have known that what he experienced hadn't been love.
"I suppose in hindsight I've been somewhat unfair to you." Valdis admitted, continuing to stroke Anani, "For starters, I presumably once had a family that loved me. I haven't hated myself for as long as you have. I lack the same fear you possess, because I've only ever fought for myself, and I haven't experienced betrayal as you have." Or at least, not that she remembered, "We may be alike in many ways, but our differences deserve attention too."
Yet Valdis hadn't known any of this before and learning it was a painful process, apparently for both of them. She understood why he pretended now. He had to hide all his insecurity in order to survive, something she had never needed to do.
"I suppose the problem with being so badly burned in the past, is that even a minor burn may hurt more than it otherwise would, especially if it is in a similar location." Valdis said gently, "So no, it's not stupid, even if it's unneeded."
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In a way, it made sense. He hid everything behind a mask, even his insecurity and especially his fear. She could probably blame it all on his family, and then Bobby, for manipulating him in such a way. Just like her, he had probably never known love, but she had the added defense of her empathy, he couldn't have known that what he experienced hadn't been love.
"I suppose in hindsight I've been somewhat unfair to you." Valdis admitted, continuing to stroke Anani, "For starters, I presumably once had a family that loved me. I haven't hated myself for as long as you have. I lack the same fear you possess, because I've only ever fought for myself, and I haven't experienced betrayal as you have." Or at least, not that she remembered, "We may be alike in many ways, but our differences deserve attention too."
Yet Valdis hadn't known any of this before and learning it was a painful process, apparently for both of them. She understood why he pretended now. He had to hide all his insecurity in order to survive, something she had never needed to do.
"I suppose the problem with being so badly burned in the past, is that even a minor burn may hurt more than it otherwise would, especially if it is in a similar location." Valdis said gently, "So no, it's not stupid, even if it's unneeded."