Instant messaging conversation between Nithroel Thessith ans Jhaan Caips, exchanges from 6001-05-14

Nith (10:30 AM): I need to postpone our lunch meeting, Artin is staying home today.

Jha (10:31 AM): Don’t worry about me. I just hope your little owl isn’t too sick!

Nith (10:35 AM): No. She threw up early this morning, and I took her straight to the medical clinic. The doctor says it’s just a mild stomach flu, nothing dangerous. She should be better in a day or two.

Jha (10:36 AM): Phew!

Nith (10:37 AM): I know, I was so scared for my baby. I’ve calmed down now, but I feel bad about having to postpone our meeting.

Jha (10:38 AM): Don’t worry about that, please. The school year doesn’t end until late June, we still have tons of kid-free days ahead. I’m patient—and you’re more than worth the wait.

Nith (10:40 AM): Thank you, I’m willing to wait for you too.

Jha (10:46 AM): If you get too bored or need help, I’m happy to come spend some time at your place.

Jha (10:47 AM): Only if you're comfortable with it!

Jha (10:47 AM): No pressure, really.

Jha (10:47 AM): Forget I said that, please—it was stupid.

Nith (1:00 PM): Sorry, I had to take care of Artin.

Nith (1:03 PM): I'd prefer you not come over. I want to be absolutely sure our relationship will last before she meets you.

Jha (1:04 PM): I totally understand! Like I said, forget what I suggested.

Jha (1:05 PM): I’d never ask you to risk your daughter’s stability. You haven’t met my Eilauver either, so it wouldn’t be fair.

Jha (1:06 PM): Please don’t think I’m impulsive in daily life—I take my responsibilities seriously! It was a misstep driven by my feelings for you. You’re the first person I’ve ever connected with this deeply.

Nith (1:08 PM): I know, I see the way you are every day, darling. No one could ever question your parenting skills—your son is a wonderful little human being.

Jha (1:09 PM): AH! The best compliment possible! It’s so good—it helps me understand why most people stick to their own List when looking for a partner.

Jha (1:10 PM): No Potential Breeder would ever think to say something like that.

Nith (1:13 PM): Exactly. Their lack of interest in child-rearing makes it hard for them to understand our way of life. I admit I judged you when you were dating them.

Jha (1:14 PM): Ugh! No! Don’t remind me of that dark chapter of my life! May the Androgynes forgive my heretical phase!

Nith (1:15 PM): Oh come on, “heretical” is a bit much. Most people go through a phase of rejecting stereotypes. You were just trying to have a romantic relationship with people from different Lists—yours was very tame compared to the extremes some people go to.

Jha (1:17 PM): That’s true. And I stopped when I was selected to receive a child! Nothing like the horror stories we sometimes hear.

Jha (1:18 PM): By the way, have you heard the gossip about the Narcissistic Painter?

Nith (1:20 PM): You and your gossip… Are you seriously giving them titles now?

Jha (1:21 PM): 1—It wasn’t me, Kathiria named it. 2—You love it when I tell you gossip.

Nith (1:23 PM): …

Nith (1:25 PM): Alright, spill it, my adorable bard.

Jha (1:26 PM): I knew it!

Nith (1:30 PM): Whoa, you’re taking your time to write—this must be big.

Jha (1:33 PM): Kathiria has an older artist as a new studio neighbor. She’s a perfectly decent lady—the problem wasn’t her. The thing is, she was moved to this new studio after what happened. Her previous studio neighbor was a young painter. Immortals were scrambling to buy his early work and it totally went to his head. In just three months, he went from a confident young man to a complete narcissist. He was condescending to everyone, bragging about his success at every opportunity—it was unbearable! The old lady was thinking of asking to switch studios because it had become unlivable. The arrogant guy became violent whenever he got criticized, and the sounds of chaos often came through the wall between their studios. Then one day—no noise. She didn’t see him leave, and she didn’t see him come in the next day either. A whole week passed in a peace so intense it felt suspicious—until a horrible smell filled her studio. The lady called a maintenance team to investigate. They found the painter’s body decomposing, lying in a pool of blood. His hands and arms were covered in cuts, and a canvas smeared with blood was stretched across an easel. The military was called in. The investigator in charge hasn’t released an official conclusion yet, but the most likely story is that he tried to stand out again by creating a painting with his own blood. An organic masterpiece, if you’ll allow the pun!

Nith (1:35 PM): By Hades… that poor lady! I hope she’s getting proper support after something like that.

Jha (1:36 PM): Of course, psychological support was offered to all the artists in the building—especially those whose studios were affected by the body’s decay.

Nith (1:37 PM): I can’t even imagine how the young man’s parent must feel… May they receive all the support and comfort they need.

Jha (1:38 PM): As every citizen of the Eternal Society deserves.

Nith (3:01 PM): Sorry again, my little owl needed me.

Jha (3:02 PM): No need to apologize—knowing you’re such a devoted father just melts me.

Nith (3:03 PM): Stop it, you’re making me warm and I won’t be able to “relieve” myself properly with Artin still so fragile.

Jha (3:04 PM): Mwahahahahah!

Jha (3:04 PM): I’m heading out to pick up Eil from daycare. Have a good rest of your day, my love!

Nith (3:05 PM): Have a great end of day, my darling.