Listen here, you

Somehow Crux had no doubt that if Triss was there she'd kick the butt of anything that threatened him, regardless of size. Not that he'd let her, at least not alone. He'd never forgive himself if she kept getting hurt on his behalf.

Her next words cut deep, right to his soul. Crux sighed. The truth was there likely wasn't going to be a better chance than when his father stepped down, which was feeling like any day now... But he had to admit, Crux wasn't sure he wanted to leave his family either. He felt seen by Triss, felt like they could share much of their experiences even when their circumstances were different... But the same would not be true for Kite. Sure Stratum was also now in the club with them, and he could probably use support from someone who'd lived it too but Crux wasn't sure he could just up and leave his sister... After Vanta had left they'd been the only siblings who'd known what it had been like. The struggles they'd endured. And though he wasn't as close with either of them he knew he'd miss Andy and Charlie too.

Still... He sighed again. "There's a chance that could change. For me." He started carefully, slowly. "My dad's getting up there in age and he's planning to retire soon, pass Armada on to my nephew. The son of the brother I told you about. I want to give him a chance, want to not just assume he'll be like his father but-" Well he had his doubts. Which Crux knew wasn't exactly fair. But he'd learned scepticism and a healthy dose of caution were necessary to survive. "I don't want to promise anything but there's no guarantee I won't be a free agent sometime soon."

It was a bittersweet thought. He still wasn't ready, not really. And he knew he'd hurt if he had to say goodbye to his siblings but- The idea that maybe sometime soon they'd not have to keep saying goodbye, wondering when they'd next see each other... It was exhilarating. He wanted to stay with her just as much as she did.

"Triss" & "Crux"