I never said he was smart, but he is strong enough to pull it off. Also he--and you--aren't alone. You may not find me trustworthy, but I'll look after you nonetheless.
[He probably wouldn't usually be this persistent, but she reminds him a lot of himself at that age. Just quieter and better behaved.]
I'm sure you don't, but always fighting on your own drains you. After a while, you don't have any hope or dreams or happiness left. You don't care, since it's easier that way, but bit by bit every last little piece of you dies. You end up angry all the time because it's the only way you have left to feel anything.
[He sighs.]
These aren't empty words, Clementine. That was my life when I was your age.
[Wordlessly, he pulls up one sleeve, revealing the dagger tucked away at his wrist and the thick red wire wrapped around the length of his arm. Beneath it are visible the indentations and scars it's left over the 20 years he's worn it day in and day out. In the process, his other sleeve falls back just enough to show the matching weapon on his other arm.]
I began when I was six and you have the same look I had in my eyes back then; I recognize it. Would you like to know how many people I'd killed by the time I was your age? I think I'd lost count by then.
[He was about to question the initial statement, but then came the qualifiers. He shakes his sleeves out and folds his arms before speaking again.]
You've killed, though, and you've ceased to have a reason for it other than keeping yourself alive.
[He sighs. Apparently he isn't cut out for this, as much as he wants to help. Maybe he's being too impatient. It wasn't like Sin had gotten through to him the first time. If his subordinates hadn't dragged him off, he has no idea what might have happened back then.]
I know I can't make you care about the reason I found and the reason I left that life behind me, so all I can do is help you however I can.
I don't want your help anymore. I am not going to be in your debt. Go away.
[Clementine's had enough. She stalks off again with a glare thrown over her shoulder, at least she goes into town and moves quickly in the crowds, to disappear.]
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no subject
Date: 2013-12-27 03:17 am (UTC)From:[He probably wouldn't usually be this persistent, but she reminds him a lot of himself at that age. Just quieter and better behaved.]
no subject
Date: 2013-12-28 08:52 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2013-12-29 04:32 am (UTC)From:[He sighs.]
These aren't empty words, Clementine. That was my life when I was your age.
no subject
Date: 2013-12-29 05:02 am (UTC)From:[Back in town she points at the shops.]
Go that way to get anything you need and leave me alone.
no subject
Date: 2013-12-29 05:42 am (UTC)From:I began when I was six and you have the same look I had in my eyes back then; I recognize it. Would you like to know how many people I'd killed by the time I was your age? I think I'd lost count by then.
no subject
Date: 2013-12-29 05:46 am (UTC)From:I don't kill people. Not really, not directly.
[But she can make an exception.]
no subject
Date: 2013-12-29 07:03 am (UTC)From:You've killed, though, and you've ceased to have a reason for it other than keeping yourself alive.
[He sighs. Apparently he isn't cut out for this, as much as he wants to help. Maybe he's being too impatient. It wasn't like Sin had gotten through to him the first time. If his subordinates hadn't dragged him off, he has no idea what might have happened back then.]
I know I can't make you care about the reason I found and the reason I left that life behind me, so all I can do is help you however I can.
no subject
Date: 2013-12-29 07:06 am (UTC)From:[Clementine's had enough. She stalks off again with a glare thrown over her shoulder, at least she goes into town and moves quickly in the crowds, to disappear.]