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[The first part of what he says contradicts the second, in her mind, and she moves to sit up on her bed, forcing herself to pet Pumpkin to keep herself from completely losing herself.]

I don't believe you for a second.

Regardless of whether of not you believe me, that is the truth.

[He didn't expect this to be easy, nor did he expect this to be quick. While Gems had thousands of years to nurse grudges, humans only had a scant few decades. Lorenz didn't care to waste time on having disagreements with people he got on well with.]

[It's true. Gems have thousands upon thousands of years to nurse and end grudges. And Lapis is a Gem that's always been particularly slow to warm up to people barring specific circumstances.

And yet, Lorenz has made enough of an impression on her that even through her hurt and anger, she only has her thumb ready to end their communications, though hasn't done it yet.

She wasn't lying when she said she'd trusted him, but she does feel like a fool for actually saying it out loud after having been denied like that.

So, he gets silence on her end. She still doesn't believe him, and like all things with Gems, it'll be a slow come around, but she's not gone yet.]

[The silence was deafening, yet unsurprising. Lapis had the experience of millennia to build up an entire collection of tools expressly designed pettiness that Lorenz was certain his father would envy. Clearly, he was facing off against a master.]

...You need not see me now, nor ever again if that is what you wish. I would fully understand if that is what you desire. But, please be aware that I will always make choices that are in the best interest of the both of us, regardless of whether or not you understand.

Please know this, and know that I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you.

[Again, her thumb hovers over the button to end the communications, and again she doesn't. Instead, her other hand rubs the top of Pumpkin, and she whines softly at Lapis for it.

Lapis, who still wants to be mad and angry and vent those frustrations in a way that she knows isn't good, but is still cathartic. She clicks her tongue, still clearly annoyed, but still not fully committing to either hanging up or responding. Or rather, it seems that way, until she finally finally decides to reply.]

Why?

[It's short and simply.]

[Of course she couldn't see it. She was too blind.]

Because you are a person of value, [Lorenz explained, like an older sibling coaching a younger.] You are as deserving of respect and support as everyone else is.

This is why I gave you a choice-- and why I didn't want to see you pushing yourself without careful consideration.

I did carefully consider it. [She snaps back, though it loses it's bite with her next words.] I decided that Peridot was more important. That's all there was too it.

[She won't bother mentioning anything else. Steven had told her almost the same thing once, and she still can't quite believe it.]

Hm...

[There was utilitarian ethics, but then there was also using those ethics as a disguise for an utter lack of self worth.

It was a difficult conundrum, and Lorenz couldn't immediately see a way to help her with it. Such problems had to be resolved alone; the words of another meant little in the grander scheme.

He knew this, from watching Marianne. But, knowing that there was little he could do to assist left a twinge of grief in his heart.]

That you did, and it was my mistake for not respecting your words. But, your disregard for yourself has me concerned, and I worry about you throwing yourself into a dangerous situation... or with a partner who has no respect for you or your worth.

Don't be. [It comes out maybe a bit too harshly.] I already know what its like to be in a situation like that, and I would have let it happen again if I had gotten Peridot back.

[Obviously.]

[That was troubling information, and Lorenz found himself doubting his initial assessment of Lapis as a person. Anyone that willing to use and be used was a dangerous variable-- but, at the same time, Lorenz felt driven to help her see that she was worth more than what she believed.]

In that case, I am truly sorry you have had to be in that situation. Bonds forged under the threat of a knife are never good. Or safe.

That's the position I was concerned about putting you in.

It wasn't a bond, it was fusion.

[Which, after having experienced both... Well, it wasn't so different, minus creating a whole new entity.]

Besides, you wouldn't do that.

Lapis. You know that I do not know what that is.

[Like a great many details about Gem Culture, it seemed. But, he was trying.]

But anyone can use another as a tool, whether they are the same species or not. A true, mutually beneficial partnership would have both parties standing at equal footing, with no power imbalances or threats hanging over anyone's neck.

[That was the crux of what he had always sought; a partner who could stand as his equal.]

I know. I already know all this. [And does it matter? Can she bring herself to care?]

There'll never be equal footing between us because we're not equals. We're not even the same species. And I don't just mean because I'm a gem and you're a human. That's just how it is here.

[It sounds a bit harsh when she says it, but... it's true. At least with Peridot they'd had some sort of mutual understanding between them. They'd both been Gems.

Between her and Lorenz, there's no such thing as equal footing. They're too fundamentally different, and it's not a bad thing, but even she knows that they can't ever reach equality by their very nature.]

[Was it really about species alone? Was that truly the fundamental difference between them and their morals-- or were there other factors in play?]

You're wrong, [Lorenz said pedantically, in the tone of a scholar sharing precious information.]

In this realm, we are a Witch and a Monster. And both Mirrorbound. Cooperation can be found between anyone, no matter how different they are.

You don't have to be equal to cooperate. [Lapis replies, pointedly.]

Monsters are physically stronger than witches. Witches can use magic. [That's not equal. They have different roles, as far as Lapis can see.]

Just because they cooperate doesn't mean we're equal.

The two also need each other-- one has too much of what the other lacks.

[Lorenz spoke coolly, not rising to the heat that her tone tempted.]

We are also both Mirror Bound. In the eyes of the permanent residents of this city, we are the same; intruders, and a potential threat. The difficulties and challenges we face here are fundamentally the same.

But we're not equal.

[Again, she points that out. While they might balance each other... They're not equal.]

[A sigh.]

That may be what you believe, but I will treat you as nothing less. In my eyes, we are equals.

[Which was why he had even broached the subject in the first place.]

We're not and no matter what you think there's always going to be that power imbalance between us!

[He doesn't get it. He can say they're equals all he wants, but they aren't, and will never be. She's not a fool. Magic is so very like gem abilities, and monsters are physically capable like the entire soldier caste of gems. She knew if she relied on her abilities, she could take Jasper down, and she knows she could take Lorenz down too. But if it came down to a purely physical fight, she'd lose. There's no equal footing to be had if it came down to a fight.

Or maybe that's the problem. She can't help but compare it in strict terms of fighting.]

[Thus, it came to a matter of core beliefs. While Lorenz had little idea of how Gems operated, it was becoming clear that cooperation between Gems of different skillsets was almost unheard of. Indeed, with Lapis' aggressive reactions, it may be looked down upon even.

He sighed.]

We may have to aggree to disagree on the matter, if that's how you truly feel.

Fine. [Another sharp word, and silence from Lapis. There's silence again on her end, like she's expecting more, something else.

Not that she's really in the mood for a reasonable talk at this moment, though.]

...I've stated my piece, Lapis. If you wish to be alone, you may have it.

But, if you wish to have someone to listen to you and support you, you may also have it.

Just leave me be.

[Maybe she'll sleep more. Might as well, right?]

Very well.

I hope the rest of the day is good to you, Lapis.

[And, with that, he closed the feed.]

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