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[Tugged but.]

In what way?

[He's well aware that sleep is a novel thing to Lahabrea.]

Arrogant. Studious. Trying to solve the world's problems by himself.

[Coaxing him to lie down.]

Has to be told to stop and rest from time to time.

[Why am I being tucked in like a five year old. He props his chin on a hand.]

I rest enough. Sometimes I wonder if you--ah never mind, fine.

If that's the similarities the brat has with me he should fix his ways. He'll ruin his health ere he's thirty. Mortal shells are delicate.

[At least he doesn't drape a blanket over him yet, but he does bring a chair to sit next to the bed.]

You've been here a handful of days, Lahabrea. You have not rested nearly enough to offset the strain you have put on your soul.

And that I'm remedying every day. He's even learning to do things for fun. Perish the thought.

Sitting still annoys me.

But I see you've found your own way to be busy. Being a nagging father suits you.

Now that would be awkward. Considering him my child as we both have joint custody over Wildfire. I consider him nearly my equal.

Though I take your compliment to heart. 'Tis much better than the rest of them spawned from mortal flesh.

And of course it annoys you, Lahabrea. But do rest. I will even wake you at the allotted hour should you request it.

[He snorts.]

You are doing the same to me, do not take it too literally. But still. I stand by the sentiment.

[He lays his head down.]

Two hours, then. Not a minute more.

Of course.

[He'd dim the lights but due to his corruption, they are already dim.]

Rest well, Lahabrea.

[And like the observation-loving person, he will watch him sleep AND absolutely not wake him up in two hours.]

[You are the worst! He will sleep for quite a bit more than two then, how dare you do this to him.]

[He figured! You old, fool. Well, he's still here when he gets up regardless of the time. Though he's moved the chair back to the table to work on projects.]

[He should have known. In any case he does in fact wake up several ours later, sitting up and wiping at his eyes.]

...

[Handing him a glass of water that was already on hand.]

Feeling more refreshed?

[Drinking it without comment before handing it back.]

I shall not even ask the time.

When did you become so fussy?

When you worked yourself to a shade of your former self, and I was not there to bring you back.

[He sighs, stretching his arms and shoulders.]

I feel I'm giving you too much to worry about. I'm not even working that hard. I feel exceptionally idle.

That is an adjustment period. We have not our powers here. Nor any shards that need managing.

Of course it seems idle.

That does still not change the situation.

...I truly have caused you worry.

What?

Do you believe I have done all this because I was bored?

[Bring a hand to his temple.]

For being a genius, you can be rather dense sometimes.

I just didn't realize how deeply you were fretting.

[He did know Emet-Selch was worried and upset! It's just, sinking in a way that it's not... a temporary passing worry??

He's really dumb and monofocused and thinks he's fine so why should anyone worry.]

Take a moment and get used to it. 'Tis not my favorite task, but if it has to fall to someone, I will take up the mantle.

I will be your foil, just as you were to Igeyorhm.

[He frowns and swings his legs out of bed.]

Emet-Selch. I appreciate your care, and that you wish to see to my health.

But I am not yet a doddering old man in need of a nursemaid.

Perhaps you can be the perspective I lack, and your counsel I will keep, but do not add to your own stress by worrying over my ability to look after myself.

[Putting a hand on his chest to keep him from rising.]

Do not. My own mistakes I have made and with a critical eye I am evaluating them as you should be as well. But I will not suffer to you taking this matter lightly.

[Well he is stopped. And scowling.]

I am evaluating myself. My mistakes were many. Do I seem to you to be taking this lightly? That is then my error.

Just as it would be in error to allow you to add me to the stress that already wears at you.

If you can't comprehend why I'm being insistent, than you have learned nothing. You are my ally, my comrade and together with Elidibus we have toiled these eons.

But you are also my friend. A dear one at that. The stress, as you put it, of you managing this yourself is tenfold the problem of watching over you myself. I swore to bear every dream, every hope, every despair. That includes yours.

That is why I cannot bear you to. Do you think I've been blind? Perhaps I have in many ways. But the lives you carry are enough. That you needed to add mine pains me in ways I cannot well express.

Would I rely on you as friend and peer? Always.

Of course my own failures add to your load. But it is something I wish to remedy.

For the selfsame reason you worry, I also cannot abide being a burden. Because you are my dear friend. Because you carry far too much for one man, no matter how great. Rather than adding to your troubles I hope to relieve them. Do you not see why? I would lift your worries, not become one among the rest.

If I must change my actions to suit your needs then so be it.

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