It all started with Ahmet Benici. The World's lead scientist published his findings that the laws that govern our world would change so drastically human life would not be possible. It was his findings that urged the U.S government to begin a secret project, Project New World. The purpose of this project was to save humanity from its impending doom. So I invite you visitor, whoever you are it doesn't really matter. Come, sit down at your keyboard and tell me, what role are you going to play in this story?
Setting
There are many rumors and stories to be told about the city of Chase. Stories and tales rise from the mysterious forest that borders its northern side. There's big talk of some government project happening on the other side, but no one can know for sure. The small town has a rather sparse population of 20,000 people and is kept isolated from its neighboring town by Wyers lake.
In terms of time, this site will follow real time to accommodate for the short life expectancies of compound patients. The current month is December, the year 2062.
Note: Please note this site is rated PG-13.
Disclaimer: All pictures and images on this site belong to their rightful owners. We do not and will not claim to own them. However the site plot and idea belongs to Time Lapse, please do not steal!
It was starting to get chilly! Well, for most. It was getting that time of year again and though most people were bundling up, Feral almost seemed content with the change of temperature, his body naturally warmer than the average humans. Once again, likely thanks to his altered DNA. Of course they'd insisted he at least wear a scarf if nothing else, though the accessory was merely hanging loose around his neck as the beast sat down on one of the free benches, eyes closed and seeming almost at peace. If there was one part of the Compound he could genuinely say he didn't 'hate' it had to be the Exterior. It was the closest thing to outside patients could really be thankful for, and though he was still determined to see the real outside world, this at least held him over until he could make his great escape.
Just thinking about that oddly made him frown. Not so much the getting out part, but the getting out part. He still really had no plan for making it happen. He had one option that the impatient teen was beginning to think was a bust, and then another which he was trying not to get too hopeful about, spare himself the disappointment. Honestly? As confident as he'd like to portray himself, he did have some doubts about getting out of here... Alive, at least. He wasn't a complete idiot, he knew his chances were slim. But there was still a chance and even if it didn't amount to anything, he could at least be happy knowing he'd die fighting, rather than subject to this fate forced on him. That was better than nothing, right? So what was the problem? Well after hearing so many times you are going to fail, it starts getting to you, no matter how hard you try to deny it. It almost made him feel hopeless, but his stubbornness and pride wouldn't allow him to give up. If nothing else, all the naysayers did was encourage him, if only to spite them.
He growled as he continued to think about these things, growling at himself for once out of frustration. He just needed to stop. It was never a big deal before, so why let it get to him now? One day these guards would slip up and he'd get out, either with help or without. As he thought about this, his nose twitched as a scent caught his attention. Speaking of 'help', he smelled the Shield roaming about.
Right, 'help'. Avoiding Feral at all costs had been more difficult than he'd imagined. They shared the same ward, and as far as classes and meals went, everyone's schedules were the same. And yet, Flint had managed to avoid a conversation with the freak since they'd last spoken in his own room. He knew what Feral would be asking about. He knew the freak was impatient to get out. Ringing his hands, Flint glanced about nervously. The longer they were here the more likely the staff were to catching onto them. Feral didn't have a good rep, it made conversing with him noticeable and suspicious. But Flint hadn't come here to talk to the freak. He had nothing to say. While he'd discovered his abilities were more than he'd initially thought, he was reluctant to admit this to the older boy. If Feral rushed them, well, the whole plan could come crumbling down. So it was best to keep it from him right? It didn't feel right, but mutiny didn't feel right either. Stepping out into the courtyard, Flint pulled his own scarf to cover his nose and mouth. The temperature on the thermometers was steadily dropping. Would they have snow soon? A familiar growling caught his attention and it took less than two seconds for him to spot Feral. Unease blossomed in his gut and he wanted nothing more than to go back inside. What was he growling about anyway? Had the freak scented him yet? Maybe if he just stayed still..
Honestly? He hoped it snowed. The freak actually enjoyed it, the few times he was able to actually go out and experience it. Just looking at it from inside was quite pretty though, as strange as such an admission from him might have sounded. Just because he was aggressive didn't mean he could appreciate stuff, did it? Well who was he to care. Honestly, the only thing he 'cared' about was that an awfully familiar scent had caught his attention. He hadn't seen him for a while. He half wondered if the boy had been avoiding him. Wouldn't be too surprising, he thought, even with the deal. People wisely avoided him like the plague, not wanting to get roped into his shenanigans or worse yet, be the victim to them.
So when he heard the footsteps stop, he knew Flint had paused, not even having to really look. He sighed at the thought, releasing a puff of air that was visible against the cold wind. "Something bothering you, four-eyes?" he asks, still keeping his eyes closed as he relaxed against the bench, arms crossed over his chest. "Or do you just like staring?" he asks with another twitch of his nose, as if making sure the boy was actually there. "It's a good thing sneaking isn't your skill, or else we'd be fucked." Now that wasn't entirely fair of course. Flint had actually been rather quiet in his approach. It was just thanks to those heightened senses that he noticed at all.
At least he wasn't going after him? Yet, anyway. After his talk with Ephraim, he'd admittedly been doubting the twin more and more and was quite tempted to confront him about it. He just hadn't had the interest in actually tracking him down, or rather the inevitable trouble that might come with it. He did have a nasty temper, after all, and if Flint insisted on calling him an idiot for his ideas again, he may not respond so calmly this time. Fortunately, he didn't seem too eager to start anything just yet, still trying to enjoy as much time out here as he could. Eventually, even he knew he'd fuck up somehow and be tossed in, free-time cut short for attacking another patient. Really, it was a wonder they hadn't completely sealed him off from the rest of them, for their own safety. He wasn't complaining.
[O.C.C: Holy shitake mushrooms that hover pic scared me so bad! O.O Just a heads up when the mini-profiles are installed on all the new skins they're 200x300 :] ]
Four-eyes? So they were back to this again. Whatever. Four-eyes, The Shield, Flint, it didn't bother him too much. At Feral's hostile jab his gaze drifted skyward. "I was just thinking it might snow, actually." His voice was a soft mumble but was it any surprise Feral would hear him? Not anymore. As far as Flint was concerned, the freak could probably hear a pin drop from the other side of the compound. Wouldn't that be nice, though? It would make his escape plan so much easier. But Flint wasn't interested in bickering with Feral and he knew now he couldn't avoid him for forever. With a guarded expression, he moved to sit beside him, gloved hands resting on his knees as his gaze wandered the courtyard. "I don't know about you, but I've been told staring is rude," He commented simply, pushing his glasses further up te bridge of his nose. "It is rather rude, don't you think?" What was he playing at? Trying to buy himself time? Aggravate the poor kid? Both would be nice actually as he wasn't eager to start chatting up an escape plan. The more he discovered on his own time, the more escape seemed impossible. The scientists were by far smarter than anyone here. How was he -assuming Feral couldn't contribute intellectually- going to outsmart them? From childhood, they were pruned, raised, and taught. Everything they learned was censored, limited, meant to prevent them from becoming too intelligent. How were they supposed to outsmart the scientists when everything they might already know could be false? Flint had done a lot of thinking lately. He wasn't about to cop out, too much was at stake. But it made him less eager to formulate a plan, more discouraged and willing to accept the life he'd been given. But....that probably wouldn't fly too well with the freak beside him, so he kept his mouth shut on the matter.
[OOC: OMG I'm sorry XD But thanks I will keep that in mind <3 ]
At Flint's comment, Feral peeked open an eye, looking up towards the sky himself for a moment before resuming his relaxed state. "Yeah..." He sure hoped so. It'd make these past couple of days seem just a little less stressful to have some snow about, as strange as such a claim was. He didn't understand it, but the snow made him feel more at ease, almost seemed to hypnotize him. It got his mind off things, for sure. But seeing as it wasn't currently snowing, his mind was focused on certain topics, ones though tempted, he didn't bring up just yet.
Course it was becoming more difficult when the guy actually moved to sit next to him. Feral's expression looked a tad annoyed, but he didn't say anything, didn't even really growl. He was more curious than anything, not sure why the boy actually sat next to him. Perhaps he had something to say? Or was he that desperate for company. Cause, really, Feral didn't want to talk to him unless he had something good to tell him. Like, I don't know, maybe that their plan to get out of here was making progress? That he was making progress? Those would be nice. But, no, he instead carried on with the staring topic, seeming to be trying to imply something? That was how Feral took it at least, eyes opened then, though narrowed as he cast him a side glare. "Yeah." he agrees, not accusing Flint of anything yet, honest to god trying to behave for the most part. After being beaten around like a rag-doll these past few weeks, he was content with staying out of trouble for a little bit. At least as much as he could. His ribs were still a tad sore from the last session.
"What do you want?" he finally asks, turning his attention ahead of them as he spoke, figuring he was less likely to get pissed off if he didn't have to see his stupid face. "If I didn't know any better, I might have thought you've been avoiding me." he admits, apparently having noticed his absence. This was the first time in a while that he actually bothered approaching him, talking to him. He'd almost seemed to have been trying to ignore him, pretend he wasn't there. Ephraim's claim that he wasn't stupid enough to go through with the plan came to mind again. It wouldn't be too surprising to the beast if he actually was pretending to play along, if only to appease him. Really though, it was only pissing him off more. But as much as he wanted to say all that came to mind, he was showing some self-control. Not necessarily for Flint's sake, but his own.
As Feral asked the much-dreaded question, Flint sighed adjusting his glasses in a half-hearted manner. "Avoiding you? Now that's also rude." Since Feral had been the one to detect his presence, making it painfully impossible to ignore the freak, this whole conversation was his fault. Or, at least, Flint would like to think so. Toeing the cobblestone ground with his sneaker, the freak offered a shrug. It was reckless to tell Feral the good news, but lying had it's consequences too. Should the freak get too impatient, he might try to get out on his own. Some news would be appreciated and he supposed the truth was better than anything else he had to offer.
"I figured out how to get rid of your collar," he adjusted his glasses once more, a nervous habit. "Theoretically. I haven't tried it yet. I figured you'd want to know."While he himself couldn't understand the science behind it all, he held little hopes Feral would. It was ironic he'd resorted to the one thing he usually avoided, underestimating people. But, if Feral decided to surprise him with a shining intellect, it might be nice. Or, it might be horrible considering he might try to get out on his own.
"An escape plan is still very much needed, though," again the freak adjusted his glasses. Was he nervous? Well, this was very risky business. "I don't suppose you've come up with anything?" Maybe if he casually steered the conversation away from their escape, they wouldn't have to talk about it. "I haven't seen you around much, they keeping you busy?" He tossed Feral a cautious look before it hardened. "Also, I heard you got into a fight with Ephraim. I don't really appreciate that," he muttered, focusing on the ground as if it had suddenly become so interesting. Or perhaps he was just the only twin that cared.
The kid seemed stuck on the whole being rude thing, but really the implication that he hadn't been avoiding him really didn't settle his suspicions. After all, you'd think a guy interested in getting out would show a little more effort, maybe try to keep up to date. Then again, he'd admittedly probably find it even more annoying if the freak was constantly around, up his ass 24/7... There was really no winning with Feral.
Just when he was starting to think he wouldn't get anything from him, Flint finally spoke up, mentioning how he'd apparently discovered how to solve their collar problem. That seemed to peek the beasts interest, not seeming to be too bothered by the fact it was only a theory more than anything. It was still something, far more than he'd been expecting. "Maybe you aren't so useless after all." he mutters, though actually seems a little less angry. It was some kind of progress, even if small. But if he knew how to take care of that at least, then things ought to be all downhill from here. After all, in his mind the collars were the biggest threat. At least for him anyway.
He brought up plans again though, even going as far as to ask if he may have come up with something. He still wasn't entirely sure but... "I might have something. Not too sure yet." he admitted. Once he knew for sure, he'd certainly let the boy know, if his brother hadn't already.
The topic changed rather quick, though the change had been enough that he didn't seem to notice, growling instead as he brought up his schedule change. "More than I care to admit. Which is why we're going to have to figure out something soon." he frowns. Was he worried? Perhaps a bit. He still didn't fully understand what they were doing to him, but coming out of each session feeling drained wasn't too reassuring. In fact he feared they might drain him completely, make escaping even more impossible.
Fortunately before he could go off on a rant about that, he ended up bringing up another interesting topic, involving his twin and the fight that had been spread out through the grapevine. He actually scoffed when the Shield said he didn't appreciate it, not seeming to be too concerned about whether he did or not. "Take it up with him. I'm not the one who started that shit." he argues and for once he was actually telling the truth. Well, he hadn't helped none either, and could have gone about it a better way, perhaps. But of course he wasn't to blame for the boy's stupidity. After all, he was literally asking for it.
Could he tell him they've 'made up'? Yeah. Would he? Hell no. He still had his reputation to uphold and would gladly let Flint keep thinking the beast was out to get his brother.
Flint had never considered himself prideful or all that concerned with his self-image, but Feral's constant jabs made him with he could growl. Of course, he wasn't useless! Hell, he could be the smart mouths ticket out of here. Honestly, he was the brains, Feral was the brawns. The Shield liked to think that if the other freak didn't watch what he said, he'd end up with no brains at all. But he would try with or without him, wouldn't he? Flint sighed, rolling his eyes a little. That was rude to-
Wait. Feral thought he had something? The freak raised a brow and tried not to look amused. He failed royally at that. "This isn't the plan where we both just run out the front door and get killed before we've made it to the 'Outer World' is it? No offense, but that's not really something," he added in a quiet mumble. And if Feral had come up with a plan even better then that, well, Flint wanted to hear it. As long as it wasn't as stupid as his other plan.
But Feral welcomed the new topic and for that Flint was thankful. No use in talking about their lack of progress, right? Learning the Whitecoats were keeping him busy sent a pang of relief through the younger patient. Flint wasn't going to wish death on anyone. But he would appreciate if the scientists kept Feral from doing something inconceivably stupid. He'd appreciate it even more if it meant he no longer had to be caught up in it all. The added pressure wasn't good, though. Maybe they could just do everyone a favor and lock him up? Honestly, why hadn't they just done that already?
The Shield only nodded with a look of half-interest, his mind already jumping ahead to other things like his brother for example. He wouldn't deny Feral's words. Ephraim probably had started it. He started just about every bad thing that came his way. An unhealthy habit he could only assume. But picking a fight with Feral really wasn't...intelligent. "Just leave him alone," he grumbled, eying the clouds once more. If luck was on his side, Feral would get taken away, Ephraim would stop being...himself, and Flint could live a mildly frustrating life. Not this stressful, agitating life he led now thanks to Feral.
Really? Feral's expression said it all as Flint questioned him, trying to figure out just what kind of plan it was, hopeful it wasn't a run for your life sort of deal. "No, smartass." Well.. Maybe. It'd definitely crossed his mind, Feral not too crazy about planning and actually sticking to them, but even he would rather avoid getting killed, even if he was willing to accept that fate over being trapped here. If there was a better option, he'd surely take it! But if that option consisted of waiting another two years, Feral would much rather take his chances than risk never being able to get out. Patients didn't last long, after all, and his days were getting fewer if he would follow the average life expectancy of the others. "It involves someone who knows things." he kept it vague, using the words Ephraim had used to describe his usefulness. "How to take care of obstacles and shit." he shrugs. "But I'm not sure about them yet so we'll have to wait and see..." he growls that last bit, clearly not fond of the prospect of having to wait anymore. He was running out of time!
Unfortunately waiting and seeing might not be an option, Flint unknowingly telling him to leave the not-so-mysterious informant alone. Feral could only roll his eyes. "Believe me, I'd like nothing more." he growls again. "I think he's got a fucking crush on me or something." he adds with a snort. Because why else would someone pick a fight with him, especially when the odds weren't in their favor? He was joking, of course, but even he still didn't understand the kid's obsession. He goes from antagonizing him, to apologizing, then giving him a gift before starting over again. It was all just completely confusing and trying to wrap his head around it gave him a headache.
Feral sighed, resting his arms behind his head as he slumped a bit further into the bench, making himself seem even smaller than he already was. He was a bit tired and the cold wasn't actually helping none. Despite that, and the annoyance currently sitting next to him, it wasn't completely insufferable. Mood dampened a bit with this talk of escaping and shit, but he'd definitely had worse days. "He seems to like you an awful lot." he comments absentmindedly, sarcasm in his tone. Weren't siblings supposed to be tight or something? Ephraim had no issue throwing Flint underneath the bus when he was brought into their conversation, which he found mildly interesting, to say the least. Flint on the other hand appeared to care though. Feral wondered how he might have felt if he'd revealed his plans to potentially tag him along. He couldn't imagine it'd be anything good, but perhaps the beast would enjoy annoying Flint, as sort of payback for him disappointing him, keeping him waiting.
Someone who knows things? Well, that certainly was vague. It piqued the Shield's interest, though. That probably wasn't a good thing. He'd be sure to investigate on his own time. This 'someone' was probably very, very bad news, especially if they proved to be more useful than him. He opened his mouth to object to bringing in more people, but that was exactly what he wanted to do wasn't it? For now, he said nothing, knitting his fingers together and nodding his head. "I see." Tugging the scarf to cover his mouth, he shot Feral a sideways glance. How was he not even wearing the scarf? It wasn't frigid, but it was decently cold. Did he not get cold? Well, Flint wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.
As the freak continued to speak, Flint chuckled. His smirk was hidden by the wool scarf, his laughter was not. "A crush on you?" He studied the freak a few moments before shaking his head in amusement. "Yeah, he probably does." Not in a romantic way -he hoped-, but it wouldn't surprise Flint at all if Ephraim continued to antagonise Feral. Even he didn't understand his brother's need to cause trouble, but he'd been shut down so many times he'd given up in asking. As Feral decreased in size, Flint turned his gaze back to the sky. If it weren't for his poignant sarcasm, he would have fully believed Feral's words. "Why do you say it like that?" He frowned, bothered by his tone. He and Ephraim were close...ish.
The compound had taken everything away from every patient. Their brotherhood was the only connection they had to the outside world. To him, it was an inseparable bond that went beyond the faculty and the compound, something they could not separate. "And what would you know anyway?" He added with a glare, eyes narrowed as he readjusted the scarf. What business did Feral have in knowing about his and his brother's personal affairs? Ephraim was less talkative than he, and he didn't go around spouting his feelings for everyone.
Feral watched him fiddle with his scarf and had it not been for his hearing, he might have had a hard time figuring out what he was saying, words muffled by the fabric. His own scarf continued to hang limply around his neck, Feral cool but by no means uncomfortable with the chill. In fact if Flint had gotten closer, he might have even been able to feel the heat radiating off of him. His own space heater. Course he wasn't about to get chummy with the Shield, partners in crime or not.
The boy ended up laughing and Feral just looked a tad annoyed, though when didn't he? He'd been joking of course, but when Flint suggested that the boy actually might. The freaks brows rose with surprise for a quick moment before he averted his gaze. Kid sure had a weird way of showing it! Unfortunately, Feral was not interested. Implying Flint was actually being serious, of course. He couldn't see Ephraim liking him that way to be the actual case though, so he figured he had nothing to worry about. Hopefully...
Straying a bit from that topic, but not too far, Feral offered a shrug after Flint questioned his tone. He was content with leaving that there, watching Flint writhe with uncertainty, but he continued, glaring down at the beast who returned the gesture. "Enough." he offers simply. "Fucker gets awfully talkative when you've got him pinned down." What was he even saying at this point? Shit, honestly. Maybe Feral felt like getting under his skin for a change and seeing as he was clearly protective of his twin, perhaps he wanted to test the waters a bit. Might come in handy! "Talking about how you were a goody two-shoes. How you don't have the balls to rebel. Think he was trying to worm his way out of getting his ass kicked by making me more angry with you." he chuckles darkly. "Should've seen the look on his face when I took a bite out of him." he adds, licking across his sharp teeth for emphasis.
[OOC: Feral stop trying to start shit lol He's been around Ephraim too long]
So suddenly Feral was an expert on his family life? The 'kid' claimed he knew 'enough'. Enough for what? Just the saying of the word brought a bitter taste to his mouth. Scowling, Flint averted his gaze withholding a few impolite words. What Feral said next did little to quell his temper. Flint wasn't the kind of brother to jump in every time Ephraim got himself in trouble, but he really did care. The freak beside him should know better than to poke the bear. Lacing his fingers together, he rested his elbows on his knees, hopeful at maintaining a calm disposition.
"I find it hard to believe he would talk about that. He'd probably be busy talking about something else....your height perhaps?" Was that a passive jab, or did Flint really know his twin that well? It was a little of both he supposed and Flint didn't really care how Feral took it. It bothered him the freak suddenly thought he was an expert on Ephraim, and him for that matter.
But Feral wasn't appeased by what he'd already done, he had to take things a step further and talk about what Ephraim thought about him. The Shield's eyes became narrowed slits, smoldering with untold frustration. Did Feral think he was an idiot? Did he think Flint was completely unaware his brother might resent him? It still hurt knowing his suspicions were being confirmed. Though, whether he was going to give Feral any credibility was another thing.
The freak continued to make comments and Flint shoved his glassed up the bridge of his nose. Man Feral was annoying today. "I am this close to activating that damn collar of yours," he pinched his thumb and forefinger together. "I would be choosing my words very carefully if I were you." Did he know how to activate the collar? Not exactly. It was a bluff that he hoped would hit home. He'd had enough of Feral's antagonism. The worst part was he couldn't stand up for himself. Feral was small and he himself was as jacked as he would ever be, but he would never be able to beat the other freak in a fight. Given his enhanced abilities, Flint would lose spectacularly.
Feral might have thought he was on top of all this, relishing in the fact he was upsetting the guy next to him. But despite smelling the anger, the other teen remained calm, even sending a jab in the vertically challenged beast's direction that caused him to snarl in irritation. It likely only encouraged him to continue, at least until Flint said something that really got to him.
A small glimpse of fear would cross his features, almost immediately covered with a rather lopsided, dark smirk. "You're bluffing..." though he didn't sound too sure about that. Did he really want to take the chance? He wasn't too sure about that either, pride not allowing him to necessarily back out in fear.
"No need to get all pissy at me." he mutters, annoyed again. "Just telling you what I heard." he insists, as if that excuse changed anything. "Can't help that your brothers a prick." he growls. Must run in the family!
Feral would call his bluff and Flint would growl. His palm filled with a mysterious blue aura as he shot Feral a look. "Really, I'm bluffing? I suppose there's one way to find out." But, can we please not find out? If he tried, he'd most likely end up deactivating his collar. That would probably bring Feral more satisfaction than anything...until the White Coats came. Then they might as well scrap their whole plan in the garbage— now there's an idea.
However Feral of all people seemed to attempt at diffusing the situation. He wasn't a good fit for that role. Each offensive jab only irritated Flint further. Shaking his head the freak adjusted his scarf. Pissy? Him? Feral was the one who'd started all this. Crossing his arms he leaned back, contemplating leaving. He'd told the freak what he could, but for the love of Pete, if he kept insulting Ephraim, Flint was going to do...things.
But Flint was the opposite of Ephraim when it came to conflict. He spent more time avoiding a fight when he could. A fight with Feral? It wasn't worth the bruises...and potential bite marks. Shooting the freak a hostile glare he just shook his head. "You know I can't stand you. You're a rude, and selfish jerk, and you have no consideration for other people!" As he spoke he gestured softly in the air, his breath billowing out like a foggy cloud. So now he'd decide to lecture him on his manners? Well, couldn't hurt could it?
Yeah when Flint started forming that shield, Feral eyed him warily, even leaning away just a inch or so as if that would help him evade any attempts, growling all the while like the animal he was. He did not want to be shocked today, or ever for that matter! But with Flint it'd probably just hurt worse. Why? It seemed far more personal and quite frankly, even more insulting than dealing with those cowardly guards. So, yes, he gladly tried to change the subject off of that, not humoring the Sheild's proposal that they test it out.
He still looked a bit irritated, though as long as he didn't reach for his collar, the beast didn't care. He did however keep a close eye on his hands, alert for any sudden movement. But his attention eventually moved back to the four-eyes' face as he spoke, Feral simply quirking a brow. "And?" he replies, expecting some sort of point to all that. "Am I supposed to be insulted?" he adds, that not appearing to be the case. Wasn't like he hadn't heard it before. In fact that was pretty tame compared to most the shit talked about him, especially by the guards.
Oh he could most certainly be those things. In fact he'd prefer to remain that way, but after 'helping' Flint and Ephraim, he felt like that was unfortunately changing. Sacrificing himself for other people? How ridiculous! Really, he'd convinced himself it was for his own benefit, as he'd managed to enroll the Shield and... Well he still didn't know what compelled him to help the other twin, though at the time he'd excused he simply didn't want to look at his stupid pathetic face anymore, which was partially true. He dropped that thought quick enough though, not wanting to think about such confusing things. He was going to have to cut that terrible habit before it ended up costing him.
What was the sense of manners anyway? All it did was make you get stepped on easier. And it wasn't like the freak wanted to make friends. He didn't need them. Couldn't handle them. It was just easier to be alone, to be hated, that way he couldn't be hurt again. Physical pain, as far as he was concerned, was bearable. It was the psychological and emotional pain that were intolerable. And it was that mindset that had made him hardened into the beast he was. It was perhaps his defensive mechanism.
"Why are you still around then?" he decides to ask instead. "If you hate me so much, why do you want to work with me?" A reasonable question, he thought, quirking a questioning brow as he looks over to him again. "You're the smart one, aren't you? If you wanted out, you should be able to manage on your own." he challenges with a chuckle. Did he know? Not really. He knew there was some hesitance, but he didn't quite understand the reasoning behind it, other than the idea that the kid was scared. He didn't realize he was being played a fool.
