Mathieu couldnât help but smirk at Harleyâs need to stress the importance of him going in with an open mind. Even he had to admit that he was not very good at having an open mind about anything. But this was different. This was, at least the possibility, of changing their fates. Could he really walk away from that hope? The hope Harley clearly had attached himself to? Yes, he had many doubts, but could he really allow himself to not look into this at all? He nodded at him, looking at him seriously, âI will speak with Brian, listen to him with open ears and an open mind. I swear it.â His heart hurt for the lad when he told him about what had happened with Danny. âI am deeply saddened to hear that,â he told him genuinely. âPerhaps it is not too late to mend things with him?â He frowned, âWhat do you mean by associations? Why did you two fall apart?â He forced a little smile at Harleyâs ironic comment but there was no pleasure from the dry humor. When Harley asked him about how he coped, Mathieu wished he could lie to him. He debated it for a moment, even. He didnât cope. He never coped. He existed. Thatâs all. He lived the majority of his life as a ghost, a walking zombie, with no purpose at all. he honestly wished he had been a vampire instead of what he was, then heâd never have had to feel emotions, namely, pain, loneliness and heartache. âDonât be ridiculous, Harley, lioncourt is fictional. Anne Rice, however, was a lovely woman,â he smirked. However, after his joke was made, his smile fell quickly. âI didnât have anyone,â he answered him simply, but he didnât shy away from his sadness. For once, he allowed himself to show his vulnerability, for, perhaps it would be a teaching moment, a reality check. But, deep down, the true reason was, as much as he taught Harley, and as much as he had labeled himself his mentor...he had never had someone like Harley to confide in, someone who...understood. And true, he was young, very young, and he had not experienced the true heartache of their existence yet. And apart of him wanted to shy away from all the hardships so Harley would be okay, so Harley would not fear his future. But sometimes, Mathieu was selfish, and he needed someone to lean on, as well. Â