video; un: li_min

[kiss_it_better]

Does anyone have advice for how to get children to enjoy school a little more? I don't think bribery is a long term solution but I will admit, this is not something I know much about.

[He had been the sort of child who enjoyed learning and practising...but he knew it was because it was always a better alternative than staying home.]

If it helps, the child in question seems to dislike tests and it seems like she'd rather spend the day in a different class with a friend.

[Or run away from school, apparently?]

Comments

[itsmypower]

[This is... tricky.]

Is this a magic class by any chance? How long has this been happening?

[kiss_it_better]

[It is all her classes. But saying that seems like it may hurt Anya's feelings if she were to see this.]

If anything, I think magic classes are the ones she's more interested in. Honestly, though, I think if she could spend all day drawing she'd rather do that. [He says this with a small sigh but he can't say he actually is annoyed. He's just vaguely concerned as well as mildly amused.] She arrived around two months ago, so I can confirm it's been that long. However, from talking to her, it feels as if this isn't a new problem.

[itsmypower]

[He's seeing a pattern here. Maybe.]

I think she needs your reassurance, then. It's like she's leaving out the chance to fail, only choosing what she likes to do. She won't find comfort in anything else like that.

[Guessing at all of this...]

She won't be able to do much else. She'll just keep running away if that's how it is. [And if that is how it is?] Maybe she needs to hear "It's fine", sometimes. It's better to try the things you don't like. That she'll get better at it. Like the way I failed my cooking class. Maybe she's just a little anxious still, if she really hates exams that much.

[kiss_it_better]

That is very wise advice.

[He says it sincerely. Personally though, he felt children who are so mature are a little sad. Too often that wisdom came about from bad experiences.]

I am trying to be reassuring. I can only hope it is helping.

[He might also need to start tutoring her…]

It sounds like you have taken a good attitude towards these things yourself.

[itsmypower]

[A good attitude? Oh... no. He's had to "turn around". He wasn't permitted to try new things, to be a child, and he'd been stunted so much; to be trained in only one thing. Thus, he mostly wants to see others try. Try and win, and not hold back! No more Shotos made. But this is different; this person's kindly involved, isn't demanding, trying his best here it seems like.

She must be safe with this person.]

No, it's just— [fumbling for words here.] I think you care, so it's enough. She'll be brave because you're trying too; because you're kind to her.

[But if it gives him any hope?]

I have someone like you too, here. I'm worried he'll think I'm only fighting, or that it's all I've ever cared about. I thought it'd be useful to learn some new things. [And yet he's still burning water.] But I'm good with plants and flowers, now... So don't give up. I mean you're asking around the network—that's all for her sake, right? I think she'll be fine with someone like that at her side.

[kiss_it_better]

Then that person should be proud of your efforts.

[He's quiet for a short moment. It felt like a lot has been shared and it seemed unfair to not reciprocate.]

From what I can tell, she is a fortunate child with parents who care about her. It seems unfair to leave her alone to struggle. That's what I thought.

[Because not all children are so fortunate. He himself wasn't that fortunate. Not until he had met Gu Yun.] If I'm able to help her be a little braver then that would also be good though.

[itsmypower]

["Proud" leaves his ears flushed, and he keeps bright eyes lowered. He's almost smiling.]

You think so? [Embarrassed...!]

But I'd be glad if everyone thought like that; wanting to help someone. [Though, he too feels fortunate.] I guess there's one less thing to worry about, if she seems alright otherwise? It's just a matter of being patient. Though I don't doubt she'll look up to you...

[He seems so kind!]

Everyone needs their own heroes.

[kiss_it_better]

I do. But I think you'd know best if they would be. And, if nothing else, you can always ask the person themselves.

[Asking is good...it wasn't what he, himself did but it's probably easier than taking four years to study how that person thinks.

Everyone wanting to help someone is a bit naive...but naivety isn't always a bad thing.]

Ah, I'm not sure I'd be the best of role models.

[There is a lot of selfishness to his nature and a lot of darkness. That he chooses to restrain it, that he chooses to only use it as a weapon to help and aid Gu Yun doesn't change that it exists.

But even so, his entire demeanour softens. Everyone needs their own hero, was it? Then he supposed Gu Yun would have been his.]

Mm. Sometimes all we need is one person willing to care.

[itsmypower]

[What he doesn't say, mention, is that his hero's a death mage. His favorite person swears and smokes, and posts absurdly angered responses defending his own favorite foodstuffs. And still he doesn't know his darkness, may never truly understand where he refuses to pry for it. But still he's kind and too selfless—a sort of light for one who's lived as both lonesome and warmth-starved. He feels it's all good-intentioned. That most were choosing to be.

He'd say this man is still trying.]

I wouldn't bother him for a thing like that. [But never mind it.] You wouldn't need to be the best, though. It's just you're being someone willing to care. [To use his words!]

I just wish I could be more help here. I might have books if you'd need them.

[kiss_it_better]

[Maybe that person wouldn't be bothered...is what he would have liked to said. But this is something that should be allowed to occur naturally.]

That seems like a rather low standard to be held to.

[He says it with a smile because, yes, it did seem so little but he also knew that could be so, so hard to find.]

You were already a lot of help.