[He's silent for a moment, fingers kneading lightly into the ruff at Thetis' neck as he mulls that over; Thetis squirms a bit, pleased, nudging up against his hand as he does so.
The situation isn't an unfamiliar one, the concept of all members of a given race or class being eradicated in the name of the government, the ruling class, the simple reason of because-we-said-so; even now, were he to be presented with that scarred man from Ishval all those years ago, Kimblee would kill him on the spot, were he given the opportunity. Not because he particularly hated him, and not because he feared him (although he had many reasons to hate him, and many more to fear him), but simply because that was how things were supposed to be. Outside of that, there had been Major Miles, who had identified as an Amestrian despite his obviously Ishvalan heritage; the idea of the man ever touching him, even casually, was repulsive.
He's well aware of hating people, of killing people, based on nothing but physical traits that they can't control. It's something he's identified with for most of his life. And while empathy has never been his strong suit, nor has putting himself in the position of others unprompted, he's fully aware that had he been a member of whatever society existed on Alternia before the effects of this universe-destroying game that Karkat mentions from time to time, he would have thought absolutely nothing of him being culled.
He supposes the thought should bother him. It doesn't.]
My apologies for pursuing such an obviously unpleasant line of conversation; I'm sure that isn't exactly anything you're thrilled about discussing. I appreciate the answer, however.
no subject
[He's silent for a moment, fingers kneading lightly into the ruff at Thetis' neck as he mulls that over; Thetis squirms a bit, pleased, nudging up against his hand as he does so.
The situation isn't an unfamiliar one, the concept of all members of a given race or class being eradicated in the name of the government, the ruling class, the simple reason of because-we-said-so; even now, were he to be presented with that scarred man from Ishval all those years ago, Kimblee would kill him on the spot, were he given the opportunity. Not because he particularly hated him, and not because he feared him (although he had many reasons to hate him, and many more to fear him), but simply because that was how things were supposed to be. Outside of that, there had been Major Miles, who had identified as an Amestrian despite his obviously Ishvalan heritage; the idea of the man ever touching him, even casually, was repulsive.
He's well aware of hating people, of killing people, based on nothing but physical traits that they can't control. It's something he's identified with for most of his life. And while empathy has never been his strong suit, nor has putting himself in the position of others unprompted, he's fully aware that had he been a member of whatever society existed on Alternia before the effects of this universe-destroying game that Karkat mentions from time to time, he would have thought absolutely nothing of him being culled.
He supposes the thought should bother him. It doesn't.]
My apologies for pursuing such an obviously unpleasant line of conversation; I'm sure that isn't exactly anything you're thrilled about discussing. I appreciate the answer, however.
[Fortunately, the presence of that café prevents him from having to attempt any further awkward shots at conversation; he doesn't recall Thetis just yet, returning his attention to Karkat instead as he enters.]
Anything you'd like; I'll cover.