video | un:jinzixun

[amidstsnow]

[look at this finely dressed deer in the headlights. this is the face of a man who's clearly trying hard at something. and while he's still new to much of the technology here, that isn't the problem. (even if the typo in his own name might suggest otherwise.)

he looks like he might turn this off after all, and maybe he's regretting that he didn't go with the texted word, but then he takes a breath and pushes forward.]

I would like to address those out there who are fathers. Or anyone who might have experience with raising a child. Sons, especially.

[a long pause...a man with as much pride as jin zixuan surely finds it hard to ask for help. but he reminds himself of his sole reason, and suddenly it all rushes out.]

How does one...form bonds with them? What activities do they enjoy? What should you talk about? Do you try to be their friend?

How do you inquire about their [his expression twists.] chroma?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[please make him father of the year, it would mean so much.]

Comments

video; un: miniskirts_forever

[queenofminiskirts]

[Oh, boy. This is...sweet. But also a disaster. The message did basically start with 'calling all dads' but...]

Okay. First of all, if your son is old enough for you to worry about his sex life [She's assuming that's what you mean by his Chroma.] then he's old enough to be embarrassed by you asking this on here. And if he's close to my age [aka a teenager around that lovely highschool age.] He'll definitely be mortified. If you end up having 'I hate you dad' shouted at you don't take it personally. Teenagers can be dramatic like that.

[She says it with a shrug as if she weren't also a teenager herself.]

And second, no one knows what your son enjoy better than your son so ask him. Because based on the boys I know their interest ranged from video games, guns, toys, magical girls and trying to avoid the swimming pool. [Kagari doesn't do that as a hobby, Kaoru...] So it's not like all boys like the same thing.

Besides, if you ask him you're showing you're interested in his life. That's a good way to start forming a bond.

And don't inquire about their Chroma unless you want to make sure he never talks to you about any of these things ever again. Just make it clear that you're here to listen if he ever runs into problems. [Pause.] Or maybe buy him some dirty magazines, I guess. [That probably also works...no, she knows it doesn't. If Minamoto had tried to buy her dirty magazines she would have thrown him out the window.]

[amidstsnow]

I'll try to remember that...

[the 'i hate you dad' part. zixuan can practically hear it now. it wouldn't even be all bad, because at least he'd be talking to him.

he didn't expect jin ling to know any more about this than he does, suddenly having a father at his age. so he didn't think to start there. now here is a girl, a teenager herself from the looks of it, and sadly their advice is rarely sought in the world that zixuan comes from.

but the more she talks, the better hers sounds. he leans in, expression mild but without interruption.]

So talk to him...unless it's about Chroma, and then don't talk to him.

[it sounds - well, not necessarily simple. he's more comfortable going into battle than he is talking about feelings with someone he cares about.

but he can do it.]

[queenofminiskirts]

[Look at it this way: there are more than enough dads in this place, but how many people have lived through being estranged from their father as well as help an estranged father (not her own) reconnect with his child? (She had help but still!)]

You've got the idea. [Sort of. She didn't plan to ask why he didn't know how to interact with a son that was already so old. Of anyone, she understands how complicated families can get.

At least he's trying.]

You are probably going to get some things wrong. And even when you say and do the right thing it might not always be well-received. But, don't give up, okay? And remember that he probably has no idea what he should do either. Just be ready to communicate properly. And don't be worried to ask for help. [Pause.] Just...maybe not in public like this.

[amidstsnow]

I won't give up.

[that's the one thing that jin zixuan can say with certainty. giving up on his own son would be the ultimate form of cowardice, he won't have it.

so. not public, but he can still contact her, right? right?]

May I ask your name?

[queenofminiskirts]

[She couldn't help but smile at his assertion that he won't give up. It's not a mean-spirited sort of expression. In fact, she approves of his determination and she thinks it's commendable! +1 point respect!]

Good. It's the most important thing.

[But also she's always available for advice! Even if she will joke about him needing to buy her food to pay for it.]

I'm Akashi Kaoru. What's your name, mister?