[......thaaaaaat sounds suspiciously like an abuse situation and oh god is he ever unqualified for this.

He's quiet for a long moment, thinking very carefully about his next words.]

It's not mean... when you grow up expecting one thing for so long, it becomes a habit. It's called, um... conditioned behaviour? I think? And it's not your fault, but it is something we can work on.

[he sets the paintbrush down, turning to give Takeshi his full attention. This is no longer just a "bond over painting" discussion.]

Has anyone done that here?