No. I don't want you addicted. Not to mention you'd be no good company to either of us blissed out.
This is what people do, Eponine. We're not making a future for you with no input or effort from you. I would remind you that you asked me to help you. That's what this is. All part of it. Socializing together. Enjoying one another's company, or trying to. You want to know how to make others want you. How can you if you don't know the game?
Because you'll ignore me to talk to one another. That's what always happens. I am forgotten about. At least if I am medicated, Sir, then I won't be cross with you both for ignoring me. She'll try to make you forget all about me, I know it.
Do you understand what a self-fulfilling prophecy is? If you sulk and behave like a child, then yes, I will be sure to treat you like one. If you tantrum and make no effort to control yourself, why would anyone want to talk to you in that moment?
If however, you turn that intelligence to making pleasant conversation and react to what is happening in the moment rather than what you've imagined will happen, not only will you enjoy yourself, but we'll enjoy you, too. If both of us are seeking to help you, does it make sense to think we'd then ignore you? To what end, Eponine? If you want anyone to have faith in you, you're going to have to extend it both ways.
I know it's hard. And if we make a fool of you or treat you poorly when you're not behaving poorly, then you get to say 'I told you so.' But if we don't? What if you choose something that you think would interest you and we all have a good time? You're very good at imagining the worst. Imagine the best. See what comes of it.
I suppose I worry. I’ve seen it happen before. People are well to talk to me until there is someone prettier to think of, and Kosem is very pretty and clever and educated.
But I will try to be lovely. You know I’ll do anything for you. I’ll be a good girl. I’ll choose a delight for us, and perhaps a picnic in the park to follow?
This isn't a contest. Kosem is pretty, clever, and educated, and that makes her a good choice for you, to help teach you aspects of the social dance she'll know far better than I. Cosmetics. How to wear your hair. How to dress in a way that flatters you and sends the message that you're worthy of respect. How to put a best face forward even when you're not necessarily feeling it.
Do it for you, Little Bird. A nighttime dinner in the park after our evening entertainment, whatever it turns out to be. If you have a good time, and all of us enjoy our evening, then I'll be happy, too. How could I not be?
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no subject
Date: 2022-08-02 05:08 am (UTC)This is what people do, Eponine. We're not making a future for you with no input or effort from you. I would remind you that you asked me to help you. That's what this is. All part of it. Socializing together. Enjoying one another's company, or trying to. You want to know how to make others want you. How can you if you don't know the game?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-02 07:46 pm (UTC)At least if I am medicated, Sir, then I won't be cross with you both for ignoring me. She'll try to make you forget all about me, I know it.
[She doesn't. She's just jealous.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-03 05:37 am (UTC)If however, you turn that intelligence to making pleasant conversation and react to what is happening in the moment rather than what you've imagined will happen, not only will you enjoy yourself, but we'll enjoy you, too. If both of us are seeking to help you, does it make sense to think we'd then ignore you? To what end, Eponine? If you want anyone to have faith in you, you're going to have to extend it both ways.
I know it's hard. And if we make a fool of you or treat you poorly when you're not behaving poorly, then you get to say 'I told you so.' But if we don't? What if you choose something that you think would interest you and we all have a good time? You're very good at imagining the worst. Imagine the best. See what comes of it.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-03 05:44 am (UTC)But I will try to be lovely. You know I’ll do anything for you. I’ll be a good girl. I’ll choose a delight for us, and perhaps a picnic in the park to follow?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-03 06:57 am (UTC)Do it for you, Little Bird. A nighttime dinner in the park after our evening entertainment, whatever it turns out to be. If you have a good time, and all of us enjoy our evening, then I'll be happy, too. How could I not be?