[Actually, it's more like neither of them have to decide it for it to become true: they're more or less friends already. But, you know... why admit it?]
...
[There's a lot of things Ling could say to that, mindlessly and ruthlessly, before ever considering the consequences, but that's not who he is anymore. Building up actual friendships connections with people means that he should consider the consequences - and it's important practice too, now that he's leading his sect. His sect's position is weak of late, and his own within it not much better: learning to lead means learning to maneuver these interactions with others. (Okay, so he's not a natural at it. Shut up, he's trying!)
Besides... if nothing else, he knows loss. And, as much as he would have claimed to be fine, even without anyone he knows here, he's very grateful to still have these people who are close to him around.]
no subject
[Actually, it's more like neither of them have to decide it for it to become true: they're more or less friends already. But, you know... why admit it?]
...
[There's a lot of things Ling could say to that, mindlessly and ruthlessly, before ever considering the consequences, but that's not who he is anymore. Building up actual
friendshipsconnections with people means that he should consider the consequences - and it's important practice too, now that he's leading his sect. His sect's position is weak of late, and his own within it not much better: learning to lead means learning to maneuver these interactions with others. (Okay, so he's not a natural at it. Shut up, he's trying!)Besides... if nothing else, he knows loss. And, as much as he would have claimed to be fine, even without anyone he knows here, he's very grateful to still have these people who are close to him around.]
... You don't, I take it?