Take...Responsibility?

[kingmakereffect]

Unlike previous weeks in the Vault, there was no specifically allotted time for investigation; for the first time, this weekend the elevator doors remain closed at the end of the first floor corridor. There's no getting down into the courtroom from here – but then, you don't need to. After all, no one is dead. Just the same, however, a crime has been committed; perhaps not one that warrants any sort of death penalty, but one of your number was attacked by someone else still walking among you. The dining hall has been chosen as the allotted meeting place for the day; it's not the same as the trial circle by a long shot, but even so, the portraits of the deceased watch the proceedings from the far wall. Ten Survivors still remain. Let's see who wanted to lower that number by one – or nine.

Comments

[amygdalae]

[That? It just brings up a sharp, bitter laugh from Bruce, because jesus he's so done.]

I wish I could tell you I'm that noble. I can't kill anybody even if I wanted to because I've got nobody left in the first place.

[goodforsomething]

[...yeah. This is not a shocking revelation. And he's just made it so much worse.]

Ah, don't say noble. It's selfish - I don't wanna lose anybody else.

And you...you shouldn't give up on yourself so easy. I know it probably doesn't help to hear it, but there's always more folks out there. You're a good guy, Bruce, you'll find your people.

[amygdalae]

[Bruce just shakes his head.]

I've already told Sigrun this, so I might as well - I was betrayed by my teammates - the Avengers. That's the last thing that happened to me before my arrival here.

[goodforsomething]

...well, fuck 'em, then. You oughta have people who won't pull shit like that - and I know who I am sayin' that.

[It'll hurt a hell of a lot if Bruce never forgives him, but he brought that on himself. Better to have admitted it now than to have the Kingmaker throw it in their faces later. If it helps to hate him, fine.]

[amygdalae]

[Bruce is... fine, honestly. He suspected the mole thing was still going on even after Mettaton, which was why he asked Aiden last week in the first place. It doesn't really affect him because he knew it was coming.

Just. Not like this.

Still, Stan's words are appreciated. Bruce manages a smile, although it is a little bit strained.]

...thanks.

[goodforsomething]

[Stan just waves it off. No need; that doesn't deserve thanks, it's a statement of fact.]