.ethanxford:
It becomes apparent by her answer that sheās not granting him any favors on this one. Whatever she knows, and heās certain itās more than him, he doesnāt know that he ever really expected her to offer it up easily. But he doesnāt know that he truly needs the confirmation either, itās simply too much to admit that heās been struggling with the kidās existence ever since Max walked through the door. He brings too many memories and too much history with him, and itās nothing he knows what to do with.
Ethan isnāt a man who allows much time for regret. And heās never allowed much room in his life for anyone he canāt file neatly under the role of asset. Anyone in this house he calls himself close to is because they fit readily in that category. Maybe his son will prove to be the same. But thereās a feeling of responsibility there that has nothing to do with the training of a new recruit.
Heās sure she knows all this. Itās almost frustrating, and for a moment heās sure thatās written on his face, an annoyance that comes when he thinks she could easily be sitting there giving him advice on how to endear himself to a son instead of a member of the Tenebrae. Anyone else heād shut them down quickly, because when it comes to his house, his sect, he feels confident enough in what heās doing. Itās an earned thing, enough years beneath his belt now, and the fact that heās still standing and breathing is testament enough to his knack for survival. Even if he has scars to show for it.
But she isnāt anyone else, and after a moment that frustration fades into something like amusement. He snorts out a small laugh, shaking his head before he leans to settle his arms against the back of the couch.Ā āDonāt think anyone would accuse me of being too accommodating.ā
Thereās no shame in it, or at least none that he feels. Heād prefer being too strict over too lenient, because thatās how mistakes are made. And in this business it almost always ends with people killed. Or possessed, and if nothing else thatās enough reason to make Maxās presence here a useful thing. Regardless of whatever baggage he brought in with him. That heāll have to deal with on his own time, whatever it is the kid wants from him now.
āCould say the same about you, you know.ā He tilts his head to look at her, and regardless of her assessment he doesnāt think he ever knows what sheās after. āWhat do you think Iām looking for now?ā
She almost smirks. She almost tells him that she can think of a time when he can be accommodating, but itās nothing that leaves his bedroom. Itās nothing they talk about outside of those walls and itās nothing sheāll even elude to. Even with the room occupied only by themselves, she knows better. This house has eyes and ears everywhere. And while sheās not ashamed or embarrassed by anything she did, especially with him, itās still something that could stir unwanted attention in the wrong areas. It was better kept a secret.Ā
āNo,ā she agrees instead. No, no one would ever accuse him of being too accommodating. He was strictly business with new recruits and she knew it had been the same for when Max had shown up. A professional welcome, a tour, a laying down of the ground rules. No offer to help move them in or get them acquainted. Everyone who walked through those doors was already expected to be able to do those things on their own. This was the Tenebrae. It was simply how the organization operated.Ā
He aims the comment back at her and if anything, thatās what draws the smirk from her face. He knows how she operates. Maybe at first thereād been some growing pains when sheād been assigned to this Sect, but heād been informed of the part sheād played in shutting down the Seattle Sect. Heād learned quickly how she operated, keeping people at a distance and beguiling people out of their secrets.Ā
There was no denying that it was true. That she was good at reading people and very rarely was surprised by someones true colors being shown. Sooner or later, all people showed it. Risk assessment, sheād call it. How would those true colors bring detriment to the Sect, to the Tenebrae?Ā
āAnswers,ā she says plainly and if he takes it as a sarcastic answer, then sheāll let him. But itās probably the most honest answer. He wants answers about a lot of things. Right now, probably the most looming thing being the true origins of Max and whether or not she can confirm or deny his suspicions. She doesnāt elaborate on her initial answer. Instead, she leans against the arm of the chair, giving a coy smile.Ā āAnd the report on Elijahās exorcism. Itās filled out and completed on your desk.āĀ












