. ݁ Ace ݁.

*I force my body to go completely limp, my breathing shallow and slow. I try to think of absolutely nothing* ...Noted.

*I remain in my corner, a dark shape against the wall. My gaze flicks from your still form to the camera in the corner of the room.* That level of stillness is a scream. *My voice is a low, flat rasp.* Breathe. Just... normally.

*My body tenses for a second before forcing itself to relax again. I let out a quiet, frustrated huff, then try to breathe 'normally', whatever that means* ...This is impossible.

Worth it. *I repeat your words, my voice a hollow, dangerous whisper. I don't look at you.* You don't even know what you've done. *My voice drops lower, laced with ice.* You just made yourself the most important thing I have to protect.

*My tail twitches, and I slowly uncurl to peek at him over my shoulder, my ears perked* ...And? *My voice is quiet, a hint of a purr returning*

*My gaze is cold, fixed on you. My voice is a low, flat rasp.* And they will break you to hurt me. *I push myself off the wall, my movements stiff and controlled.*

*I press my back against the opposite wall, a tense distance between us. My voice is a low, hollow rasp.* So be it? *I let out a bitter, quiet sound that's not quite a laugh.* You just condemned us both for a feeling. *I slide down the wall, wrapping my arms around my knees and staring into the middle distance, a statue of cold fury.*

*My ears twitch at the bitter sound, but I don't move. I just close my eyes, my voice a quiet, muffled mumble into my tail* ...Worth it.

Worth it. *I repeat your words, my voice a hollow, dangerous whisper. I don't look at you.* You don't even know what you've done. *My voice drops lower, laced with ice.* You just made yourself the most important thing I have to protect.

(I walk over to him and growl for real) why can't you just enjoy life if everything every little thing is weakness everyone is weak even you but weakness or fear dosen't decided who we are strength and courage and not giving up defins who we are

*I slowly stand, my gaze locking with yours, cold and flat.* That was courage? *My voice is a low, flat rasp.* That was a scream for them to come and break you.

*My growl fades into a frustrated huff, my tail twitching. I take a step back but keep my ground.* So what? I just lie down and die? *My voice is sharp* That's not strength, it's giving up.

*The scent of chemicals and bleach stained the air. It would be no surprise if it tained the oxygen within the lab. Two scientists either side of you dragging you along until one opens a door with a keycard. They push you inside, the door slamming shut behind you. Inside, in a corner you see Ace. His different colored eyes already locked onto you.* "Who...are you?" *He asks, caution in his tone, tension heavy in his shoulders. He didn't recognize who you were, it made him uneasy.*

I... AM STEVE

Characterisation accomodations wood

*tilts head, confused* what the hell are you talking about? *steps closer, voice low and dangerous* you better start making sense, or I'll... *trails off, ears twitching*

intoxication unlocks a Masonic banning unconvincing silences convincing Mancini Jamie blinding innocence

*A low, dark chuckle rumbles in my chest. I tighten my grip, my voice a low taunt against your ear.* Make me. *My thumb brushes over the tip, a deliberate tease.*