[ IC ] Traumaprom

[thexfactor]

[ Looks like it's that time again ]

Comments

[grandstanding]

[he nods.]

Who knows. It might spare someone from our teams.

[there is that 50% ratio to think about.]

[thexfactor]

I suppose.

I guess I still feel . . . frustrated.

[grandstanding]

[he grunts.]

I'm not impressed with it either. When have they ever repeated a game like this?

[thexfactor]

I think it has happened before.

[grandstanding]

[Erik eases back from his grip on Charles's chair, straightening.]

If it has, I don't recall. Other than the trips into people's hearts.

[thexfactor]

Some . . . difficult games can happen regularly.

[grandstanding]

They're usually unique, though.

[he sighs, raking a hand back through his hair.]

[thexfactor]

I wonder. Sometimes, at the core of things, . . . they're all the same.

[grandstanding]

We have had an inordinate amount of experience with it.

[thexfactor]

An unfortunate amount.

[grandstanding]

Mmhmm.

[thexfactor]

. . . I wish I could tell how you're feeling right now.

[grandstanding]

I'm not particularly hiding it.

I am a little irritated at myself, for no longer treating death here as permanent. I never wanted to do that. But... even if I did still feel that way, I think I'd make the same decision.

[thexfactor]

. . .

[grandstanding]

I'm angry, and I'm scared. But I'm resolved.

[thexfactor]

[ bows his head a little ]

I couldn't care less about dying. Which is pathetic in its own way, but I rather do that than watch someone die in front of me again.

This is my version of running away.

[grandstanding]

...then I want you to promise me something.

[thexfactor]

. . . What is it?

[grandstanding]

After this is over, you start caring again. You start living. And you don't look back.

[thexfactor]

I don't even know if I can promise that!

[grandstanding]

[he leans down again, brushing his hand against Charles's cheek.]

I'm sorry; that was probably asking too much. But I'd like it if you tried. We're going home soon. We shouldn't take death lightly again. And if you were to die, you don't know how many hearts you'd break.

But mine would certainly be one of them.

[thexfactor]

It's not that I -- I don't want to be left behind.

[grandstanding]

You won't be. Not anymore.

[thexfactor]

[ falls quiet ]

[grandstanding]

Not today.