[He's really got no excuse for the beat-downs he gave his grunts. Of course, he'd try to excuse it if confronted about it, but really when it comes down to it, there's nothing that can exonerate him. It's literally the cycle of abuse at play, but it was still his choice to do those things, regardless of the emotion that drove him. Regardless of what conditioned mentality was instilled in him. His grunts deserved better, and deep down he knows that.
If it helps anything, his own contradictions and flip-flopping often serves him poorly, and leads to his own frustration as well. Of course, even though he does tend to recognize that he's the issue, he has a penchant for abusing himself, and then... not exactly learning from it. That's the issue when you have a fragile ego, but it's overinflated. Like a hot-air balloon made of glass with the flame stuck on high; brittle and hot, threatening to shatter at the smallest touch.
Of course, he's doing better as mentioned. Slowly. Surely. He's getting there, but it takes a lot to get someone back on the right course after they've been lost in the Hinterlands of moral indifference.
Guzma lets out a snort at Nanu's reaction.]
Yeah, you had a choice, you already made it! [He shrugs, smirking. For a second, he almost seems like he's not taking the latter half seriously, but his expression softens just a touch, before he gives him an agreeing nod. His voice has lost that joking edge to it, instead it's a little bit more serious and earnest. But there's a touch of exhaustion to it, this whole thing has been a wild ride of emotion.]
I got no plans to abuse what you're givin' me. I may do a lot of stupid shit, but I'm tryin' not to fuck up what's important no more.
[As much as Guzma might be a self-important jackass who tries to act like the world revolves around him—bonds are greatly important to him. Bonds in Team Skull were greatly valued, and even with Guzma's shitty temper, and how he mistreated them, there was a deep loyalty there between him and his grunts. He doesn't have that now, he gave that up, and so when it comes to making these sorts of bonds and connections... he doesn't want to lose them.
Deep down he has a longing for social connectivity, for a family of sorts. To have those he considers his, but not entirely in some sort of objectifying and possessive sense that kinda dehumanizes the other party. Something mutual and reciprocated. The very thing he lacked in his early life.
Team Skull was basically that, but unfortunately he fucked the dynamic up. However, it's a thing of the past, and while he's been working on himself, there's still a sense of loss. A hole he's trying to fill, even if he doesn't realize it. Maybe this is another step closer to doing just that?]
How dare you
If it helps anything, his own contradictions and flip-flopping often serves him poorly, and leads to his own frustration as well. Of course, even though he does tend to recognize that he's the issue, he has a penchant for abusing himself, and then... not exactly learning from it. That's the issue when you have a fragile ego, but it's overinflated. Like a hot-air balloon made of glass with the flame stuck on high; brittle and hot, threatening to shatter at the smallest touch.
Of course, he's doing better as mentioned. Slowly. Surely. He's getting there, but it takes a lot to get someone back on the right course after they've been lost in the Hinterlands of moral indifference.
Guzma lets out a snort at Nanu's reaction.]
Yeah, you had a choice, you already made it! [He shrugs, smirking. For a second, he almost seems like he's not taking the latter half seriously, but his expression softens just a touch, before he gives him an agreeing nod. His voice has lost that joking edge to it, instead it's a little bit more serious and earnest. But there's a touch of exhaustion to it, this whole thing has been a wild ride of emotion.]
I got no plans to abuse what you're givin' me. I may do a lot of stupid shit, but I'm tryin' not to fuck up what's important no more.
[As much as Guzma might be a self-important jackass who tries to act like the world revolves around him—bonds are greatly important to him. Bonds in Team Skull were greatly valued, and even with Guzma's shitty temper, and how he mistreated them, there was a deep loyalty there between him and his grunts. He doesn't have that now, he gave that up, and so when it comes to making these sorts of bonds and connections... he doesn't want to lose them.
Deep down he has a longing for social connectivity, for a family of sorts. To have those he considers his, but not entirely in some sort of objectifying and possessive sense that kinda dehumanizes the other party. Something mutual and reciprocated. The very thing he lacked in his early life.
Team Skull was basically that, but unfortunately he fucked the dynamic up. However, it's a thing of the past, and while he's been working on himself, there's still a sense of loss. A hole he's trying to fill, even if he doesn't realize it. Maybe this is another step closer to doing just that?]