[The SQUIP's hand catches L full in the chest, the shock radiating through it in a percussive and vicious blow. He topples backward, coughing, planting his hands in front of him once he's righted himself in a tense crouch. He resembles a wild animal, injured, wary and seething.
For a moment, he imagines how much more beautiful the SQUIP's neck would be if his hands were wrapped around it, squeezing.]
Shut the hell up.
[His head lowers, eyes narrow to focus the drunken blur.]
That's not my name. You know it, so use it if you want me to care what you have to say.
[Linden, after all, is a lie. Linden is the flimsy mask he wears in this unfamiliar world, like so many masks he wore in his. L is true; L is a privilege.
He stands, and the look he gives his Bonded is imperious, derisive. He reaches down for the front of the AI's coat, pulling it to its feet, bringing their faces close and staring down at his shorter partner.]
no subject
For a moment, he imagines how much more beautiful the SQUIP's neck would be if his hands were wrapped around it, squeezing.]
Shut the hell up.
[His head lowers, eyes narrow to focus the drunken blur.]
That's not my name. You know it, so use it if you want me to care what you have to say.
[Linden, after all, is a lie. Linden is the flimsy mask he wears in this unfamiliar world, like so many masks he wore in his. L is true; L is a privilege.
He stands, and the look he gives his Bonded is imperious, derisive. He reaches down for the front of the AI's coat, pulling it to its feet, bringing their faces close and staring down at his shorter partner.]
Do you want to remind me why I care?