[It had been awhile since she had been so overtly possessive of him, and while he recognized the unhealthy nature of it, he still appreciated the gesture after the growing uncertainty of her long-term loyalty after he had died and then ended up here. He reached up and patted the back of her hand with his own.]
We are forever, you and I. [He didn't deny it. Even the looming threat of her distraction by a new boy toy didn't change that on his end.] You never have to be concerned about my loyalty to you, Jinx. No matter the people in our lives, the activities we do separate from one another, or how this place may try to tear us apart. I'm your family.
[He made a low hum of understanding of her obligation to vet the people that he happened to hang around with. There would always be a risk with strangers and allies alike. People had agendas and those could come into conflict at any time, but if they were fortunate, the larger drives would keep them united. Those with conflicting agendas had to be put in their place and eliminated, he did agree; that game was more difficult as it required outsmarting them.]
We will always be at risk of associating with those with conflicting agendas, but it's how we manage that situation these days. We mustn't give them reason or an excuse to interfere with us. And if they do, I trust you to issue consequences for that, and I would do that same on your behalf.
[His hands lifted to hover over her body when she moved and stretched out, waiting to have to catch or support her if she slipped off of his lap or the table moved in her attempt to retrieve a knife. Otherwise, he remained exactly where he was, a solid weight under her own, supporting her as he always tried to.
He took the knife at her insistence, feeling its weight even as she shared it with him. His fingers flexed around the hilt as he turned the tip of the blade away from her face as she nuzzled his knuckles. She was still leaning into her euphoria, and he made no effort to snap her out of it, aware she would come out of it on her own in time.]
No, you are not fake nor replaceable. [He knew Richard had never said those things, having followed the conversation in the background.] Why do you believe your flock will be angry if you hurt him?
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branchandroot
action; cw: he's still somehow clinging to being reasonable despite all this
Date: 2024-08-28 01:08 pm (UTC)We are forever, you and I. [He didn't deny it. Even the looming threat of her distraction by a new boy toy didn't change that on his end.] You never have to be concerned about my loyalty to you, Jinx. No matter the people in our lives, the activities we do separate from one another, or how this place may try to tear us apart. I'm your family.
[He made a low hum of understanding of her obligation to vet the people that he happened to hang around with. There would always be a risk with strangers and allies alike. People had agendas and those could come into conflict at any time, but if they were fortunate, the larger drives would keep them united. Those with conflicting agendas had to be put in their place and eliminated, he did agree; that game was more difficult as it required outsmarting them.]
We will always be at risk of associating with those with conflicting agendas, but it's how we manage that situation these days. We mustn't give them reason or an excuse to interfere with us. And if they do, I trust you to issue consequences for that, and I would do that same on your behalf.
[His hands lifted to hover over her body when she moved and stretched out, waiting to have to catch or support her if she slipped off of his lap or the table moved in her attempt to retrieve a knife. Otherwise, he remained exactly where he was, a solid weight under her own, supporting her as he always tried to.
He took the knife at her insistence, feeling its weight even as she shared it with him. His fingers flexed around the hilt as he turned the tip of the blade away from her face as she nuzzled his knuckles. She was still leaning into her euphoria, and he made no effort to snap her out of it, aware she would come out of it on her own in time.]
No, you are not fake nor replaceable. [He knew Richard had never said those things, having followed the conversation in the background.] Why do you believe your flock will be angry if you hurt him?