Re: [Lake: Misha/Damian.]
"They are adults, Misha. They are capable of it. But, they must first realize it is something that is a flaw of theirs, not of those around them." This was obvious to Damian. "It is no one's job to show them the error of their ways. Not even yours. I do not know what they will do. What I suggest is that if you feel up to it, you may attempt to speak to them, but when it is difficult, when they are insulting or hurtful, you do not feel you must power through your own emotions for the sake of theirs." Damian knew Misha would desire to help. This was a part of why he loved Misha, obviously. But, he knew too that this could be destructive to the boy, hence why he made the suggestion he did.—As for the look, Damian rolled his eyes. "I think he is a fool who has sealed his own fate. I cannot be sympathetic to his plight, when it is not a plight at all, but a manufactured misery caused by emotional incompetence and ignorance."
Damian dropped his knee now, straightening his leg on the dock behind Misha. It meant his legs were practically at a 90° angle, but this did not bother him. He knew Misha was uneasy about large dogs. He understood this. He understood, also, that the boy was likely right about Dietre's dog being a crutch. He nodded. Then, yes, he pulled out the ringlet Misha had created.
He laughed somewhat when his hand was slapped away, and he ceased, so Misha might redo his work. "No, I would not," he agreed. He smiled at Misha and his dimple. "Fool. You may participate at this crisis center, so long as it does not interrupt your studies. Does this seem fair?"