Graceful Descent

[Victor Steiner]

Sure enough he hit a nerve. Not the one he was aiming for but never mind, she gave him warning enough by pointing out her own fractured mental state, prodding the shards was probably not a good idea. Nor, for that matter was making her angry, although again he suspected that to truly anger her would require more than just words.

I have no doubt of your capabilities and I have no desire to experience them if it can be helped. He said, refusing to be intimidated but also refusing to blow her off as a 'non' threat. For to do so would be foolish beyond reason. To say we need each other....well there are many different ways that can be taken he said, looking at her, his playful smile returning for a moment before fading into something more serious But I hope you understand when I say, I would rather not need you, you may be right, but I would rather it wasn't so. He meant no offence in his words, but he firmly disliked the idea of somehow being reliant on her, or owing her, or worse still needing her for something. Steiner never wanted to 'need' someone ever again if it could be helped.