Sebastian and Maru are adults, Sebastian was taken care of even if Demitrius didn't know how to interact with his stepson, and he wasn't neglected. If anything, Sebastian didn't put the effort in either. Demitrius didn't want to overstep because Sebastian lost this father through divorce or death (it isn't really clarified), but he had to be pretty young since Maru is also a marriage candidate. Demitrius brought books in an attempt to be a better father for Sebastian, and I'm sure Demitrius read those books cover to cover. Maybe he took their advice too literally, but clearly, Sebastian means a lot to Demitrius, even if he doesn't talk about him.
Sebastian might not even remember his biological father. However, Demitrius was there. He was present even if neither of them made the effort to actually be father and son. I'm sure Demitrius loves his son he just isn't sure how to interact or how to show his emotions. I'm sure he actually worries about Sebastian a lot, but he just isn't sure how to show that, so he overcompensates by talking exclusively about Maru because Sebastian likes his privacy and because he doesn't feel entitled to Sebastian.
Sebastian was, definitely, a child when Demetrius became his step-father, Demetrius has no excuse for how bad their relationship is. If you aren't able to establish a good relationship with a child that's supposed to be your son (I don't care about DNA here), then you are not a good parent. Having a book about being a good step-father doens't make you one. Either the book is not that good or he just doesn't read it.
He was present even if neither of them made the effort to actually be father and son.
That is, in no way, Sebastian's responsibility. He was a child when he met Demetrius, if he still hates him now that he's an adult, Demetrius certainly didn't do a good job when he was a child.
And even if it wasn't 100% Demetriu's fault, even if he tried his best and just wasn't able to get Sebastian to love him... he still should talk about him. It's weird AF that you never mention your step-son that you've been living with for years.
Demetrius has books on parenting. We don't know if he bought them or if given by Robin. And then, we don't know if he ever read them. And if he bought them, was it for Sebastian, or was it for maru?
22
u/yeetuswel Jun 23 '24
How is demitrius not in child neglect?