CW: Verbal Abuse
Mitch watched silently as Ishade walked into the study and sat down with some distance across from him at the couch. He knew Ishade had some issue interacting with people, and he didn't take it personally. He knew Ishade well, or at least as well as he could over the course of three years, and as much as he permitted. Mitch could see in his eyes that he, too, was tired and rather troubled, but clearly he felt more at peace in his proverbial cave.
He looked at Ishade quietly as he spoke, and though Mitch noticed he wasn't looking back, he didn't break the imaginary eye contact. Though Ishade was checking to see if Mitch was okay, Mitch couldn't help but feel more concerned for him in return. Besides, Mitch had never really put his current predicament properly into words. Where would he even begin?
Brief pangs of memories flashed across Mitch's mind. Memories of his original home. Memories of his mother and father... Then just his father... Then himself. The words ran through his head coarsely and violently. Family. The bloodline. Expectations. Failure. Disappointment. Where did she go? Why can't I make him proud? I've failed them both. Now Dark. Now Luka. It's time to start a family, Mitchell. Why can't you just shut up and make your parents happy? Ma would be rolling in her grave if she saw you now, Mitchell. The McCowells are a proud bloodline and you're going to squander it for your own selfish fantasies? I knew we should have had another kid while we still had the chance.
Mitch blinked his eyes tightly and suddenly, and then opened them back up. "Oh, the stress of the new tenants always puts everyone on edge, y'know." His voice was calm despite the brief episode. "I'm uh... I'm not particularly good with traditional family stuff, I guess." Whatever. There was no point letting everyone else know how much of a disappointment you are.
"You know, I hate to sound like Abel, but kids scare me. Stiff, traditional values make me a bit antsy. I don't hate them, of course, but I worry that I always say the wrong things or act the wrong way. I don't know if that makes sense." He sighed. "I'm obviously not the only one here who's got something on their mind, though. Did something else happen?"