He does not want their pity, and he will not get it. That is the ultimate insult, and now, after this, after everything - he has not earned that. Perhaps he never will.
Revulsion coils slickly in the pit of their stomach, tightening like a noose, contracting their heart in a painful pulse of a reminder. A reminder that, despite everything, despite the image of stability and the appearance of a settling life, they still are and always will be - this. This thing that does nothing but reignite a wire-work of unwanted memories, blazing a cold trail around someone's neck, garroting a loop tight about everything they wished to ignore.
A thorn in everyone's side. Now and forever.
A thorn in his.
Bear it in mind, Chara. Observe, if you will, the way he thanks you, a veil of politeness over what must be a patronizing slant to the words, condescending them for their reckless, ruthless excoriation of the history he and Asriel both have been desperately straining to avoid. Bear it in mind, Chara, next time you want to make a joke. Bear it in mind, next time you prey upon someone's inability to contain the twitch in their fingertips, the pull of a hand about their neck. Bear it in mind, because you - you did this.
You did this.
They bid him no goodbyes.
They watch him leave, ensure that he has exited the scene, and they turn on their heel and depart.
no subject
Revulsion coils slickly in the pit of their stomach, tightening like a noose, contracting their heart in a painful pulse of a reminder. A reminder that, despite everything, despite the image of stability and the appearance of a settling life, they still are and always will be - this. This thing that does nothing but reignite a wire-work of unwanted memories, blazing a cold trail around someone's neck, garroting a loop tight about everything they wished to ignore.
A thorn in everyone's side. Now and forever.
A thorn in his.
Bear it in mind, Chara. Observe, if you will, the way he thanks you, a veil of politeness over what must be a patronizing slant to the words, condescending them for their reckless, ruthless excoriation of the history he and Asriel both have been desperately straining to avoid. Bear it in mind, Chara, next time you want to make a joke. Bear it in mind, next time you prey upon someone's inability to contain the twitch in their fingertips, the pull of a hand about their neck. Bear it in mind, because you - you did this.
You did this.
They bid him no goodbyes.
They watch him leave, ensure that he has exited the scene, and they turn on their heel and depart.