If that's your argument, I'd point out the contradiction between not making an effort, and not taking care of yourself aren't the same things.
[He checks the rice, turns the heat off on it. Turns down the heat on the fish so it doesn't burn, turns down the heat on the veggies so they don't boil over, so he can turn his full attention on the other boy. This isn't Make Your Argument, this isn't a Panic Time Attack. He doesn't have to break Dirk's argument apart and point out exactly where he's wrong until the other has no objections left.
He doesn't want to do that. Instead, he reaches out as if he might put a hand on Dirk's shoulder, thinks better of it, and instead asks quietly,]
Do... you want a hug?
[It's what Dirk had offered him before, but he'd had too much pride then to accept.]
no subject
[He checks the rice, turns the heat off on it. Turns down the heat on the fish so it doesn't burn, turns down the heat on the veggies so they don't boil over, so he can turn his full attention on the other boy. This isn't Make Your Argument, this isn't a Panic Time Attack. He doesn't have to break Dirk's argument apart and point out exactly where he's wrong until the other has no objections left.
He doesn't want to do that. Instead, he reaches out as if he might put a hand on Dirk's shoulder, thinks better of it, and instead asks quietly,]
Do... you want a hug?
[It's what Dirk had offered him before, but he'd had too much pride then to accept.]