regulate | LL INBOX.

A comeback....is that what people are saying....

Mmm...wary is a good word for it. Our boy Friday is difficult to read.

That is what I heard from Graeysteel. Our relationship would improve considerably if you spoke more frankly, but the same could be said of myself.

I do not trust others easily.

Heh...that would make two of us then. At this rate we really are going to spend this entire voyage circling each other like this. I for one would like to avoid that. I have enough reasons to be anxious without one of those reasons sharing the same family quarters as me.

So, how about a deal. Or rather....a promise? Afterall, we are Family and a 'deal' sounds far too cold.

[ He cants his head to one side, his wings twitching curiously. ]

What do you propose?

[Pats the spot next to him]

Well, first of all, have a seat.

[ He sits next to Jewel, but it's clear from his stance that he remains tense and unsure. ]

Go on.

It's very simple, really.

[Turns a bit to face him, his knee brushing against Friday's]

You try to be open with and trust me....and I will do the same.

[ It's hard to trust him when he still doesn't know if he's being toyed with. His muscles continue to lock up as he eyes Jewel, refusing to back away. ]

Tell me honestly– why did you quit the industry?

....

[....frowns at the question, mouth going a bit tight, but after a moment he smiles again]

Who "I" am wasn't what they wanted...not really. And what they wanted was more than I could give and trying cost more than I could afford any longer.

So you did not want to sacrifice your sense of identity for fame and fortune. Was it your management or the fans who demanded this of you?

Neither really. Just....who they think and I am and who I am are two different things. And they were pushing boundaries I was not about to give up.

[ His eyes narrow, though not at Jewel. Just the situation he was in. ]

A stalker– or were there multiple ones who refused to respect your privacy and personal space?

It's.....fine. I've moved since then. Those were not the only issues, of course. I'm not interested in complaining about what is done and over though.

If we are to be open and to trust one another, then that means you can confide in me. I won't repeat anything exchanged between us and expect the same in return.

Besides...I wanted to understand what made you leave in spite of your acclaim and popularity. As your successor, it is relevant to my interests.

I believe it's your turn to share a little. Isn't it a two way street?

I have no stalkers and maintain an appropriate distance from my fans. I always make sure to have tight security around me during concerts and meet and greets.

I learned a lot from observing and studying all my predecessors. I do not plan to let my upward momentum to come to a grinding halt like yours.

Can't plan for everything. The more popular you get, the less control you have.

I can't, you're correct, but I can mitigate risks with enough proper planning and security. I will not burn out like the others.

Hate to break it to you....but they all said the same thing.

The future is not immutable nor is there such a thing as fate. Do you believe I will fail?

I believe you will bite off more than you can chew.

I will not. I cannot. There is no other career for me if I fail.

What about modeling?

You could not have at least suggested I become a producer, lyricist, or pianist full-time instead? Your mind instantly jumped to me becoming a glorified hanger for clothes and jewelry.

How am I supposed to suggest those when you have not told me you write or play?

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