[ How can he explain to anyone, in plainer words, about what their relationship is — what she does, how she contributes? She is mine, ought to cover it, he feels. She is his to command and protect, his to conspire with. Half the time, she helps Meridian when she reports in to him, monitors his network of social connections and maintains the confidence and support of Springstar's people.
Why must she be anything to Meridian, when he stands for her? He keeps his vow, he proves his worth to the goal and shelters one who wishes that of him. Is that not power? Is that not proof of who he truly is and what he is capable of? Nobody has the authority to question him, he thinks, angrily. Attacking Ruby, demanding of her, is impugning upon him — for she stands as an extension of him, and he cares for her.
His fingers find the back of her head, smoothing along the soft wave of her pale hair. ] I would like to know when you are facing difficulties, Ruby. I cannot make good on my word if I am unaware when you are struggling, or need me to intervene. I want to know who you value, who you are most scared of, so I can expect and counter as needed.
[ He hooks his arm below her thighs, sleek and powerful without any effort. Certainly she is light, but this is how he can demonstrate himself to her. ]
You and Hayame are both women who had to survive in inescapable situations, and the conditions of terror and abuse shaped you in different ways because of different environments. I do not say this because I wish you to be sympathetic toward her, your hate and revulsion toward people is genuinely lovely to me. I say it because it is my job to work with you both, not yours.
[ A pause, and he leans his spine back a little so that he can find her gaze. ]
I will never leave you for this, Ruby. The only way our relationship ends is if you choose to end it. Or you betray me — which is done by aligning with my brother, Osiris, or giving away my greatest shame or my greatest secret. Neither of which you currently know. Anything else, I simply do not care.
no subject
Why must she be anything to Meridian, when he stands for her? He keeps his vow, he proves his worth to the goal and shelters one who wishes that of him. Is that not power? Is that not proof of who he truly is and what he is capable of? Nobody has the authority to question him, he thinks, angrily. Attacking Ruby, demanding of her, is impugning upon him — for she stands as an extension of him, and he cares for her.
His fingers find the back of her head, smoothing along the soft wave of her pale hair. ] I would like to know when you are facing difficulties, Ruby. I cannot make good on my word if I am unaware when you are struggling, or need me to intervene. I want to know who you value, who you are most scared of, so I can expect and counter as needed.
[ He hooks his arm below her thighs, sleek and powerful without any effort. Certainly she is light, but this is how he can demonstrate himself to her. ]
You and Hayame are both women who had to survive in inescapable situations, and the conditions of terror and abuse shaped you in different ways because of different environments. I do not say this because I wish you to be sympathetic toward her, your hate and revulsion toward people is genuinely lovely to me. I say it because it is my job to work with you both, not yours.
[ A pause, and he leans his spine back a little so that he can find her gaze. ]
I will never leave you for this, Ruby. The only way our relationship ends is if you choose to end it. Or you betray me — which is done by aligning with my brother, Osiris, or giving away my greatest shame or my greatest secret. Neither of which you currently know. Anything else, I simply do not care.