I Hold with Those Who Favor Fire

“No” He said angrily, his eyes snapping open. “No”’ he said again, more softly. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I lost control, and I steered you into this. I held hostage the things you loved, and gave you an ultimatum in the moment.” It hurt to hear the guilt in Arts voice, and that was for only almost killing him. Tam was right, he knew that already, but this drove it home. Art wasn’t ready to hold that on his conscience.

Regret tensed his muscles, and he winced as he tried to sit up and look at Art. He hurt all over, he was impressed at the number Art did on him. “You're pretty wicked with a blade Art, I’m impressed” He hadn’t tried to defend himself, but even if he had - Art would have given him a run for his money.

He reached out as though to grab Arts paw, and then stopped himself, letting it fall to his side. “I let things get out of control, and I’m truly sorry for it, Art.” What did you say to the boy used and abused in order to try and commit suicide? There were no words that could fix it. “Briar… Briar is fine. Mostly she just got a fright, but she’s fine.” he said, because he knew Art would want to know. He had grazed her skin, and it would be a quick heal. It could have been so much worse, but there was no point putting that out there right now. When he did eventually reach a point where he was too dangerous for those around him, it would not be Art he turned to.

"Speech"