Then why didn't you say anything? You honestly believe I wouldn't have supported you if you wanted to go to university, or get a different job? And I certainly don't remember putting a ban on you having any interaction with people other than me. I just wanted you to be careful. You can blame me of plenty of things, but you don't have to put words in my mouth.
[And then he chuckles, and it just sounds tired and sad.] And what friends? I didn't have friends. You were the only person I could be completely honest with until Moira showed up, and you know that. I know you don't- [He rubs at the bridge of his nose, trying to find the right way to say this without further enraging her.]
My telepathy isn't something I can just completely switch off, even if I wanted to. Obviously I don't hear everything, but I've spent almost my entire life listening to some people think the worst possible thoughts about others just because they don't like the color of their skin, or what god they worship, or that they're female. Because they're different. And some of those people act on those prejudices, and that's with normal humans, not people who can lift a submarine out of the water, or set things on fire just by snapping their fingers. And just because those people are in the minority doesn't mean they can't do a substantial amount of damage.
I was afraid if you lost control and I wasn't there that someone would hurt you, maybe even kill you, and I couldn't bare to lose you like that. But I never meant to make it seem like you were forbidden from having other friends, or doing what you wanted to with your life.
[He shifts uncomfortably, not sure if she's even going to care about the explanation, or just accuse him of further trampling her.] It's better here, but you might be happy to know that the tables have sort of turned. People like you and Erik and Alex can fit in because it's obvious when they're using their abilities and when they're not, but there are and probably always will be a majority of people who aren't comfortable with or downright loathe telepaths. No one trusts you when they find out you're capable of that.
[He tries not to linger on that point, because she never had. Maybe things would have been easier for them if they did.
He stares at the floor again, because it's easier than looking at her.]
People hate me for what I can do, even though I've given them no reason to beyond the fact that I'm a telepath. I've nearly been killed for it more than once, and it's exactly what I was afraid of, when I was younger. I honestly believe there will come a time where no one will have to hide or feel ashamed of themselves, and that the good will always outnumber the bad, but I know now how it feels to have people hate you for being different and it isn't something I'd wish on anyone.
Spam
[And then he chuckles, and it just sounds tired and sad.] And what friends? I didn't have friends. You were the only person I could be completely honest with until Moira showed up, and you know that. I know you don't- [He rubs at the bridge of his nose, trying to find the right way to say this without further enraging her.]
My telepathy isn't something I can just completely switch off, even if I wanted to. Obviously I don't hear everything, but I've spent almost my entire life listening to some people think the worst possible thoughts about others just because they don't like the color of their skin, or what god they worship, or that they're female. Because they're different. And some of those people act on those prejudices, and that's with normal humans, not people who can lift a submarine out of the water, or set things on fire just by snapping their fingers. And just because those people are in the minority doesn't mean they can't do a substantial amount of damage.
I was afraid if you lost control and I wasn't there that someone would hurt you, maybe even kill you, and I couldn't bare to lose you like that. But I never meant to make it seem like you were forbidden from having other friends, or doing what you wanted to with your life.
[He shifts uncomfortably, not sure if she's even going to care about the explanation, or just accuse him of further trampling her.] It's better here, but you might be happy to know that the tables have sort of turned. People like you and Erik and Alex can fit in because it's obvious when they're using their abilities and when they're not, but there are and probably always will be a majority of people who aren't comfortable with or downright loathe telepaths. No one trusts you when they find out you're capable of that.
[He tries not to linger on that point, because she never had. Maybe things would have been easier for them if they did.
He stares at the floor again, because it's easier than looking at her.]
People hate me for what I can do, even though I've given them no reason to beyond the fact that I'm a telepath. I've nearly been killed for it more than once, and it's exactly what I was afraid of, when I was younger. I honestly believe there will come a time where no one will have to hide or feel ashamed of themselves, and that the good will always outnumber the bad, but I know now how it feels to have people hate you for being different and it isn't something I'd wish on anyone.