Two. Only two, really. That's all I've asked, that's all we've asked. Only that single separation, only two to be dealt with.

You can continue to be disappointed, I understand that and I won't try to talk you out of it. Hell, I am sorry you are disappointed.

I'm also sorry I didn't... explain?

Or didn't make it clear?

Or whatever.

I'm sorry I didn't find some way to drill it through your head that YES, you will deal with us separately. I'd thought it was clear, I'd thought you understood and accepted.

How many times have I gone back on my word? *sighs softly* Often? Ever consciously, other than this?

I've given you promise after promise, and for most of them I've made it clear that it was a double promise, that it was her word and mine.

*curls up, voice quiet*

You... no, I shouldn't blame you, should I? It's not your fault that I expected you to deal with me on the level I set. It's not your fault that I've asked you to spend a couple days uncomfortable. It's certainly not your fault that I am hurt, offended, upset... any more than it's your 'fault' that last night I fell asleep happy.

I wish you could understand how important this is to me. I wish you were willing to accept me as I am. I wish you weren't so set on YOUR way, YOUR values, YOUR view of reality...

...but I know that's how you are and I know it won't change. I love you as you are.

...why, when I talked about it repeatedly, didn't you say 'no, I can't deal with that', or 'hey wait, I thought you promised that' or 'but...'?

Why are you complaining after the fact?

What do you want me to do, what do you want me to say?

You're disappointed. I understand that. What now?

Obviously there is something you expect from me that you haven't gotten. Tell me what it is.