evocation | ⚡ ML INBOX

Okay.

[She scoots closer, nudging her hip into his.]

I'd hang out with you more if you weren't always avoiding the safehouse.

[He instinctively leans against her slightly in response, not even realizing he's doing it.]

It's too crowded here.

[It's comforting whether he realizes it or not, so she doesn't move.]

Yeah, it fucking sucks. Where have you been going?

[He sighs, because even though he just got through freaking out about playing along to this kidnapping...]

I found someplace recently...to stay. It isn't much, but it's not here.

You did? Where? With what money?

[It's twenty questions time.]

[He glances about just to make sure no one is about to walk in.]

It's in a building not too far off from here. [An apartment building is the word he's looking for.] I've...been fighting in an underground arena to get by. It's really the only thing I can do.

It's a small place but it is far better than being crammed in here.

You what?

[She's... not sure how she feels about that, actually.]

Since when?

[Why does he suddenly feel bad?]

A while? The days just blur together here, Kyna.

[Also he's making a living getting the shit kicked out of him that tends to contribute to said blurring.]

I would have said something sooner but...I felt ashamed. Fighting like caged hounds for people who either have too much money and no idea what to do with it or the desperate. But it got me out of here.

[Her mouth twists.]

You don't have to be ashamed, it's just... what if you got hurt or something?

[And she didn't know and couldn't help, she means, but doesn't say.]

If getting hurt is the worst I have to worry about then that is an improvement from normal. I can take care of myself.

[Stop worrying so much, it's WEIRD and he doesn't know how to feel about it.]

I know that. That's not what I mean. Jerk.

[Is she going to say what she actually means? Nope.]

[Oh are they playing this game again? Not on his watch.]

Then perhaps you should say what you mean. Or would you rather dance around the issue as if someone put hot coals underneath your feet?

[That is... maybe the most direct callout she's ever gotten. He'd put Nico to shame. It basically corners her into talking.]

Oh my God. I mean if something happens I want to be able to help. Even if you're a badass who can take care of himself.

[It's great when a direct callout bites him in the ass and he suddenly doesn't know how to respond.

Even so, no regrets.]

I...[SIGH.] That is kind of you, but you needn't trouble yourself with such thoughts.

[Okay maybe little regrets.]

[If she knew he regretted his callout, even for a second, she'd be disgustingly smug.]

Why not?

[Which is why she can never know.]

Because...[GOD why does he have to be so direct?] I would rather you not see me like that — fighting in the pits like a dog, trying to survive.

I wouldn't think of you like that. You're not a dog.

I know you wouldn't.

[Does he? Look, it's complicated.]

But it is not how I wish to be seen. ["by you", but details.]

[She makes a face at that.]

What if I were doing it and I said I didn't want you there?

[He looks over at her so she can see his eyeroll. Don't you start switching shit up on him.]

What would you have me say, Kyna? Do you really want to be there that badly?

[Yes.]

Doesn't that make more sense? I mean... We're kind of looking out for each other, right?

[His previously annoyed look that he punctuated with an eyeroll softens as she says that. He sighs...that sigh he does when he's giving in and has to admit she's right.]

We are.

[He's not sure how it happened or why it happened or even when it happened, all he knows is they've indeed been looking out for one another.]

Fine. If that is what you want, I won't stop you. [Even if she should be focusing on getting out of this place herself, instead of on him. Though, now that that thought crosses his mind...]

...And, there is space enough for you should you ever need it. [At his place, he means.]

[She's starting to pick up on what that sigh means, and for a second, she smiles triumphantly. At least, until it's his turn to blindside her again.]

Oh. Um, are you sure? I don't want to get in your way.

If I thought you would get in my way then I wouldn't offer you.

[He could have probably been more reassuring but, it's true, isn't it? He isn't known to coddle.]

Besides, the company would be nice.

[She wasn't exactly expecting someone to offer her a room so quickly, but it's... nice.]

Well, if you'd die without my awesome personality...

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