[Statements like that had once seemed barbed. Capable of doing damage despite their size. But he has been doing this for cycles. He has heard that, worse. He has come to terms (of a sort, of a kind) with the fact that they believe he asked of them what he had not been willing to give when he was in their position.

But he did not wish them deep in the nest. He did not wish upon them the state of being that Cathaway represented. Whether he would press upon them his state- the constant reminder of how much easier, more pleasant, less lonely he could be- well. It didn't matter. All that he wished of them was that they learn enough go control their abilities. To be quiet. To survive, whatever that required of them.

And, most important, to not risk the survival of the rest.]

If you are so intent on your own destruction, then, have the courage to do it before you bring the rest down with you.

[He steps aside at the press of Parker's shoulder- not for fear and certainly not with the expectation the boy would be capable of upsetting his footing, but because he did not wish contact with him. Not wholly successful, and the mild blowback from it has his lips narrowing.

That was an unfortunate disease indeed. He cannot imagine what Cathaway is thinking, (he could, if he wanted to), to leave it unchecked.

And if Parker could hear past his own thoughts, the slightest brush of Prince's consciousness across his. Irritation and concern and the slightest undercurrent of exhaustion.

Hr had been doing this a long time.]