fandomhigh | Practical Philosophy, Monday

"I've been given to understand that some of you had your emotions manipulated by the island last week," Ender said. He was sitting cross-legged on the grass of the dorm lawn, as per usual, a glass of water in his hand. "So I propose we talk about that on a primary note this week. Did you experience that? Did you know anyone who experienced it? Did it teach you anything about yourself, or was it a pain in the ass? There are a range of issues coming into play when these things occur - questions of consent as well as what this did to you. I'm opening the floor today to any and all of them."

He sat back.

"Otherwise, it's Memorial Day today," he said. "I've personally served in my home's armed forces. It was an unusual program, but not all of us came back alive. Many of us didn't come home whole. I've heard and seen of many brave people who died, serving humanity to their utmost best. They deserve some thought today. I don't care if you want to do it in discussion in this class or later, but please keep it in mind."

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"I love you too, Cade," Ender said, smacking him gently across the back of his head.

Cade blushed, possibly for the first time in years. "Yeah."

"And that would be the Ben in you," Ender said.

"I prefer the parts that don't make me look like an eight year old kid," Cade replied, but it was without heat.

Ender let out a soft snort. "The parts that make you look like an eight year old kid keep you human," he said. "You're not all hard edges."

"Yeah, but I need to be if I'm gonna survive," Cade replied. "People aren't gonna say, 'oh, look, that's just like Ben Skywalker. How adorable.' If it reminds them of him at all, they'll kill me."

Ender rolled his eyes. "Don't be so melodramatic," he said. "I can get you to blush because you actually care about my opinion. You're not stupid enough to care about too many people's."

"I can be melodramatic if I want to," Cade said with a tiny smile. "That's also part of the family legacy."

"And it's the most irritating thing about your great-great-grandfather and your great uncle," Ender said.

"Also true," Cade replied.

"Keep that in mind," Ender said.

"I will," Cade said, standing up. "I should get to work."

Ender smiled up at him. "Thanks for coming to talk to me," he said.

Cade grinned back, a real one that crinkled his eyes and lit up his face. "Sure. See you next week."

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