[He has been ignoring everyone from the semi-comfort of his infirmary bed. Ignoring kindness, responding to compassion and sympathy with hostility. Erecting walls. Creating distance.
Despite all of that seeing Abigail has returned strikes a note of relief in him, seeing her bloody creates a pinprick of concern. And both cause him to be angry with himself; his first impulse is to scratch it out, do whatever he can to snuff this weakness out of him.
But no, he reminds himself, forcing calm. Abigail Hobbs was one of his resources from the very beginning. She was helpful when he needed it, understood things he didn't need to say. Back and forth, they offered just the right amount of trust.
If he loses her it will be no great loss, he thinks. But if he can, it would still benefit him to keep her on as an ally.]
You're back, Miss Hobbs? I won't ask what happened, or if you're all right...I'm certain more than a few have beaten me to it. But do let me know if there is anything just now that you need from me.
[His voice is cool and clipped, the way he spoke to her more at the very beginning. When all he cared about was information, usefulness, rather than individual people.]
[voice ; private]
Despite all of that seeing Abigail has returned strikes a note of relief in him, seeing her bloody creates a pinprick of concern. And both cause him to be angry with himself; his first impulse is to scratch it out, do whatever he can to snuff this weakness out of him.
But no, he reminds himself, forcing calm. Abigail Hobbs was one of his resources from the very beginning. She was helpful when he needed it, understood things he didn't need to say. Back and forth, they offered just the right amount of trust.
If he loses her it will be no great loss, he thinks. But if he can, it would still benefit him to keep her on as an ally.]
You're back, Miss Hobbs? I won't ask what happened, or if you're all right...I'm certain more than a few have beaten me to it. But do let me know if there is anything just now that you need from me.
[His voice is cool and clipped, the way he spoke to her more at the very beginning. When all he cared about was information, usefulness, rather than individual people.]