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He won't, though. That's the thing about getting a mutation that can control other people - mutants like that always wanna prove they could do it without that power. And I'm his test case.
[He sits back smugly, hands behind his head.]
Even telepathically-derived mutations have a weakness.
[He sits back smugly, hands behind his head.]
Even telepathically-derived mutations have a weakness.
[It seems completely unthinkable. Just like John reached into Petre's brain and fished out the first and last things he ever wanted to hear from him. If - if - that really happened, why the fuck would John keep it to himself all this time?
Sure, John kissing him is more than enough to make something in his chest sink, whatever it is - it should have been that sense of victory, not this - but he can also recognize that there was a level of sentimentality to it. Petre saying he needed John? Either it was drunken stupor or a can of worms he isn't going to touch. For his own sanity's sake.
(Whatever's left of it.)]
So why didn't you tell me.
[Part of him's still testing this to see if it's bullshit. Too easy, Petre.]
Sure, John kissing him is more than enough to make something in his chest sink, whatever it is - it should have been that sense of victory, not this - but he can also recognize that there was a level of sentimentality to it. Petre saying he needed John? Either it was drunken stupor or a can of worms he isn't going to touch. For his own sanity's sake.
(Whatever's left of it.)]
So why didn't you tell me.
[Part of him's still testing this to see if it's bullshit. Too easy, Petre.]
Wasn't ready. [He slips his hands into his pockets, shrugs.] I left 'cause I wasn't ready, and I didn't tell you 'cause I knew you'd turn it to your advantage right away and I wasn't ready for that. What happened next was all up to you.
[And then his hands slip back out, arms stretching in an expansive gesture.]
And look what you did.
[And then his hands slip back out, arms stretching in an expansive gesture.]
And look what you did.
[She looks at him weirdly. It's like he's proud because he got in an accident and lost a leg.]
You realize that makes you extra-fucked, right?
You realize that makes you extra-fucked, right?
And you, Petre, let one second of jealousy over a joke blind you to the idea that maybe I fooled around with another guy to see if it was even what I wanted. Because of you. And that one extra shot of tequila that made you forget it ever happened.
[He's moving in closer again, chin tilted up, ready to claim his complete victory.]
You made it completely obvious at last that you were just a tin pot megalomaniac and I was supposed to be your one-man dictatorship. You made sure that I would never, ever, for a second, consider wanting you again.
Yeah, you didn't have all the facts. But you were still a total fucking idiot.
[He's moving in closer again, chin tilted up, ready to claim his complete victory.]
You made it completely obvious at last that you were just a tin pot megalomaniac and I was supposed to be your one-man dictatorship. You made sure that I would never, ever, for a second, consider wanting you again.
Yeah, you didn't have all the facts. But you were still a total fucking idiot.
It makes me the target of a crazy stalker. That sucks, I'll admit. But one who'll never get me to bend over and say "yes sir, thank you sir" because he's got a point to prove. And he's all about being right.
[Where's the problem there? It's a complete catch-22. Petre's made himself incapable of winning.]
[Where's the problem there? It's a complete catch-22. Petre's made himself incapable of winning.]
[Tension grows in Petre's features, and all of them because of John. His words sink in like the fire he can't use to burn him.
For a second, Petre's hand shoots to grab John. Look him in the eye. He's showing teeth like he's ready to speak again, and this time make sure that John regrets this. Regrets fucking with him again, because that will never be tolerated from him, or anyone. Maybe once upon a time Petre might have shared a truth about him he himself wasn't entirely aware of, but it's all gone now. It's all just anger.
He knows anger. Anger's one of the few he can feel, full-fledged and consuming.
No words come out. He shoves John instead, lets him have that so desired distance between them.]
Anything I ever told you. [There's an unpleasant curl to his lips.] I was drunk. And you're a fucking idiot for believing me.
For a second, Petre's hand shoots to grab John. Look him in the eye. He's showing teeth like he's ready to speak again, and this time make sure that John regrets this. Regrets fucking with him again, because that will never be tolerated from him, or anyone. Maybe once upon a time Petre might have shared a truth about him he himself wasn't entirely aware of, but it's all gone now. It's all just anger.
He knows anger. Anger's one of the few he can feel, full-fledged and consuming.
No words come out. He shoves John instead, lets him have that so desired distance between them.]
Anything I ever told you. [There's an unpleasant curl to his lips.] I was drunk. And you're a fucking idiot for believing me.
Yeah. Sure.
[Arches her brows and widens her eyes because... you're fucked, dude. Crazy stalkers who don't get what they want turn to murder.]
And you're all about keeping your ass a one-way street?
[Arches her brows and widens her eyes because... you're fucked, dude. Crazy stalkers who don't get what they want turn to murder.]
And you're all about keeping your ass a one-way street?
You mean I was. You think I don't know that? [He straightens out his shirt where Petre grabbed him, his own expression nothing but mild distaste.] If I didn't know that by now, I never would've told you all this.
But it's got no power for you anymore. You can't win with any of this. Like I said, we both lose - but maybe dragging me down with you is enough now. Maybe that'll be your new angle, we both fucked up beyond all recognition, we really are made for one another. Anything that might work, right?
But it's got no power for you anymore. You can't win with any of this. Like I said, we both lose - but maybe dragging me down with you is enough now. Maybe that'll be your new angle, we both fucked up beyond all recognition, we really are made for one another. Anything that might work, right?
[If he's listened to a single thing John said just now, it doesn't show. As always, Petre would just be wrapped up in his own head. Paying mind to what he believes to be the truth.]
I need you. That's all it took. [a pause. He bites his lower lip, not a smile.] Really? That's all it took for you to let your guard down and kiss me.
That just makes you a little more pathetic than I thought, John. You're like a lost little child. You just want to be loved. Validated. And you decided to take that from the person you hate the most in the world when I was drunk and would've said anything.
Bit too easy, even for you, don't you think?
[All edges, all resentment, because John's latched onto his vulnerability and twisted it around. He won't be expected to let him leave with the last word.]
I need you. That's all it took. [a pause. He bites his lower lip, not a smile.] Really? That's all it took for you to let your guard down and kiss me.
That just makes you a little more pathetic than I thought, John. You're like a lost little child. You just want to be loved. Validated. And you decided to take that from the person you hate the most in the world when I was drunk and would've said anything.
Bit too easy, even for you, don't you think?
[All edges, all resentment, because John's latched onto his vulnerability and twisted it around. He won't be expected to let him leave with the last word.]
[For a long time, it looks like he might grab one of the sharper gardening tools and ram it right up under Petre's ribs. He's that furious, murder etched across his features; anyone else would be a singed carcass by now, and damn the consequences. But that silence is spinning out between them, giving Petre more and more power the longer it lasts, and he can't find a counter argument. No I'm not won't be enough for him, even though it's true - he's got someone who could very easily love him and arm's length is not enough emotional distance for him by a mile. He's more scared of love than of being alone.
That's the thing. A denial will reveal another vulnerability. He set his own trap by admitting how little it took to draw him in, and now he's snared. Didn't he think to himself once that he'd eventually chew off his own foot? The time appears to have come, but he's not ready.]
Don't flatter yourself. There are so many people in the world I hate more than you. [That's the best he can do, after all that glaring. It makes him cringe inside.] And if you really think I gave you a chance because I was looking for love, you really don't know shit about me. Not a goddamn thing.
That's the thing. A denial will reveal another vulnerability. He set his own trap by admitting how little it took to draw him in, and now he's snared. Didn't he think to himself once that he'd eventually chew off his own foot? The time appears to have come, but he's not ready.]
Don't flatter yourself. There are so many people in the world I hate more than you. [That's the best he can do, after all that glaring. It makes him cringe inside.] And if you really think I gave you a chance because I was looking for love, you really don't know shit about me. Not a goddamn thing.
Then what is it you're looking for, John, [He sneers, shows him teeth, approaching with a threat. Intimidating, standing his ground. John can do whatever he wants to him, but he won't walk away thinking he left him bruised anywhere inside.] Do tell the world. We're dying to find out if you're finally figured it out.
I wasn't looking for anything. [He's finally, finally grasped onto the one thing from that night that can't be thrown back in his face. The insult that's just as brutal to Petre as it is to him, but it's got no context to be used against him here. And every context against Petre.]
I let my guard down because I pitied you. [He loads and delivers that word the same way he'd spit in Petre's face.]
I let my guard down because I pitied you. [He loads and delivers that word the same way he'd spit in Petre's face.]
[And just like Petre told him that night - the very thought makes him sick.
So sick it's his turn to swing a fist across John's face. There isn't much strength backing his arm, but the impact's enough to leave a red mark somewhere between John's jaw and his cheekbone.
There's nothing less than disgust in Petre's face when he suddenly recollects himself and arranges his hair, looking to the sides. That was a breakdown in its purest form, and the thought that anyone might have seen it --
Doesn't matter.]
Wish not granted. Sorry.
[He isn't taking away the order, and instead adding another one.]
Now get out of my fucking sight.
So sick it's his turn to swing a fist across John's face. There isn't much strength backing his arm, but the impact's enough to leave a red mark somewhere between John's jaw and his cheekbone.
There's nothing less than disgust in Petre's face when he suddenly recollects himself and arranges his hair, looking to the sides. That was a breakdown in its purest form, and the thought that anyone might have seen it --
Doesn't matter.]
Wish not granted. Sorry.
[He isn't taking away the order, and instead adding another one.]
Now get out of my fucking sight.
[The hit startles him enough that he stumbles back a couple of steps, holds a hand up to his face - but then he's smiling more broadly than ever. Because that just hit a nerve goldmine, and Petre's never made it so obvious before. They're finally on the same level in a way that he can recognise and appreciate rather than resenting. All that perfect control shredded to ribbons until Petre couldn't do anything but lash out like John would.
It's almost childish glee on his face, like he just tricked Petre with a joy buzzer or a whoopie cushion rather than a deep emotional wound. Gotcha.
But then his mind is pleasantly blank again, and rather than gloating, he's just getting up to leave. It'll be rather interesting when they meet back up in their room, if they do - John has used Ryan's fake suspicions of stress exhaustion to sneak into the infirmary for the night more than once, and even gotten a legitimate diagnosis because of the strain this war has taken on him.
Where will it go now? He doesn't know, but that's one battle he knows he won.]
It's almost childish glee on his face, like he just tricked Petre with a joy buzzer or a whoopie cushion rather than a deep emotional wound. Gotcha.
But then his mind is pleasantly blank again, and rather than gloating, he's just getting up to leave. It'll be rather interesting when they meet back up in their room, if they do - John has used Ryan's fake suspicions of stress exhaustion to sneak into the infirmary for the night more than once, and even gotten a legitimate diagnosis because of the strain this war has taken on him.
Where will it go now? He doesn't know, but that's one battle he knows he won.]
[He stares for a moment, unsure just what John's getting at- but eventually he nods, holds his hand up as he'd been told.]
...what for? You're not making any sense here, John.
[One moment he's insisting there's not going to be anything between them, pulling away from him, and now... whatever the hell this is? Ryan absolutely isn't following.]
...what for? You're not making any sense here, John.
[One moment he's insisting there's not going to be anything between them, pulling away from him, and now... whatever the hell this is? Ryan absolutely isn't following.]
[He holds his own hand up, tries to press his palm against Ryan's - and it slides off to one side just as they're close enough to feel the heat from one another's skin, like their hands are magnets with the same poles facing outward.
He does it again, same result. With his other hand, the same thing. It's obvious from his expression and the nature of the movements that this is out of his control.]
He does it again, same result. With his other hand, the same thing. It's obvious from his expression and the nature of the movements that this is out of his control.]
-what the hell?
[He watches it happen a couple times in disbelief before he tries to touch John's hand himself, with the same result-- and lets his own drop back to his side.]
John, what's going on- is this some weird part of the punishment? They wouldn't--
[He watches it happen a couple times in disbelief before he tries to touch John's hand himself, with the same result-- and lets his own drop back to his side.]
John, what's going on- is this some weird part of the punishment? They wouldn't--
You know who would.
[He sets his jaw furiously, giving Ryan a hard look.]
And you're not doing anything about it. I'll deal with this.
[He sets his jaw furiously, giving Ryan a hard look.]
And you're not doing anything about it. I'll deal with this.
He what.
[No, fuck that, he's not even listening to that order. This might be the only time John gets to see him well and truly pissed, the anger practically rolling off of him like waves of mental heat-- there's a line and this goes so far over it he can't let it go. Not when it's John, not when it's in between him and what he wants.]
I'm gonna talk to him.
[Flat, decisive.]
[No, fuck that, he's not even listening to that order. This might be the only time John gets to see him well and truly pissed, the anger practically rolling off of him like waves of mental heat-- there's a line and this goes so far over it he can't let it go. Not when it's John, not when it's in between him and what he wants.]
I'm gonna talk to him.
[Flat, decisive.]
No you're not. I am dealing with this. Don't go near it, Ryan.
[He moves closer, which only means he has to crane his neck up ridiculously to maintain his hard look, but it's a natural dominant movement. Even when he's talking to someone so huge.]
This is because I joked about maybe liking Harry more than him. That's it. That's how little it took to set him off. If he finds out what we did? You're not running headfirst into that shitstorm.
[He moves closer, which only means he has to crane his neck up ridiculously to maintain his hard look, but it's a natural dominant movement. Even when he's talking to someone so huge.]
This is because I joked about maybe liking Harry more than him. That's it. That's how little it took to set him off. If he finds out what we did? You're not running headfirst into that shitstorm.
I'm not gonna tell him, John, I can keep that quiet--
[He's sure the anger could drown out any accidental thoughts. Keep him focused. The problem is convincing John of that... and he's getting the feeling that's not likely to happen.
So he breathes out, slowly, takes a step back.]
...fine. Fine, I won't.
[He will.]
[He's sure the anger could drown out any accidental thoughts. Keep him focused. The problem is convincing John of that... and he's getting the feeling that's not likely to happen.
So he breathes out, slowly, takes a step back.]
...fine. Fine, I won't.
[He will.]
Promise me. You fucking promise me you won't go to him about this.
[For someone who doesn't want protecting, he's sure doing a lot of it himself right now.]
[For someone who doesn't want protecting, he's sure doing a lot of it himself right now.]
[Fuck. Fuck, he's going to have to lie about this- his jaw sets tightly, trying to keep it from showing on his face.]
...alright, I promise. I won't do it.
...alright, I promise. I won't do it.
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