The Nine. Bonesaw. But I could hardly say that. Not after seeing his reaction when I’d casually brought up the Nine before. However intent he seemed to be on hurting me, I wasn’t going to retaliate in kind.
Taylor’s a good kid.
“That’s what I thought,” he said, to my silence.
I looked up at the ceiling, blinking to get the tears out of my eyes. “Okay.”
Honestly, Taylor blaming the Nine is a big development for her. She’s had an unhealthy habit of blaming herself for failing to completely prevent atrocities instead of blaming the people committing them, and this seems to be a step in the right direction.
“What?”
“I’ll own up to it. My fault. The blame is at least partially mine. Maybe mostly mine. I’ve been reckless, and others have suffered for it. Dinah, my dad, Bitch, the people in my territory. You. Maybe I am toxic. Maybe me and my motivations, my issues, are causing everyone misery. I can leave the team if you want. Give me the word, and I’ll leave.”
Way to put him on the spot, make him either follow through and take the consequences of hurting you like this, or admit he still wants you around.
And given that this is almost certainly the last chapter of the Arc before we go into Interlude territory, it could actually go either way, depending on Grue’s actual mindset here.
There was a long pause.
“Christ,” he said. “I’m not telling you to leave. I’m just-”
Phew.
Maybe he didn’t realize just how hurtful he’s being?
“You’re making it clear I should. And you’re probably right.“
“I’m frustrated, and I went too far. That’s not what I’m trying to say.”
I think putting him on the spot like that was a really good move here, helping him to realize how far he was going.
I’m waiting for an apology, though, Brian. You went waaay too far.
“Sure sounds like it.”
I stood up and turned away. I didn’t want to see that look in his eyes.
Which one, the angry look or the sad puppy who just realized he fucked up?
I tugged my armor into position and made sure I had everything I needed. It wouldn’t do to get ambushed and killed as I left.
Welp, I guess we’re doing this then.
My modified costume was heavier than my old one had been, and between that and the blanket, and this place’s lack of air conditioning, I was sweating. My hair was stuck to the back of my neck.
He wasn’t saying anything.
Come on, Brian. It begins with “I’m” and ends with “sorry”.
“I’m going to go. Half my territory burned to the ground, my people need some attention. If you decide everyone’s better off with me gone, just pass on the word. I won’t make a fuss, I won’t say you wanted me gone. I’ll just make an excuse and leave.”
“It’s up to you. Think about it.”
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