The Leader

I know. I know, it's what makes you a good person and a stressed out leader. Why don't you ask someone for help, Re? And if everything works out, maybe things won't get worse? Maybe things could get better.

I do like apple pie.

- -

I haven’t slept in days, every time I close my eyes I see…. I thought I worried about everyone before, but this… this is worse.

You don’t ask for much, do you?

You got to sleep, Renee. Worrying yourself haggard isn't going to help anyone. I know, everything is getting worse. But everything will work out.

Nah, I try not to. I don't deserve much.

- -

Twice. And it’s still looks dirty. It’s nothing you don’t already know… guilt, pressure, secrets…

Here, sit down.

Re, the place looks great. Well, thats what happens when you're leader. I had plenty of sleepless nights. Especially when you're in charge of keeping everyone alive. Hell, I still feel like I'm responsible for everyones well being.

You think you could make pie?

- -

Well, I haven’t … in awhile. But I needed something to keep my hands busy… and I’d cleaned the house already. Twice. So.

That's what I thought. Twice? Well, it smells pretty good. Want to unload all those thoughts on me then? It might help to talk to someone? Or you can just feed me.

- -

Benjamin can barely make toast without burning it, and the store - really? And you had us all fooled into thinking you were smart…

I was joking. I may be an asshole but I haven't lost my sense of humor, sweetheart. I just didn't know you still baked.

- -

Show’s how much attention you’ve paid the last three years, who do you think made the bread for camp?

Um, the grocery store? Or Benny. He's got small, delicate hands made for bread making.

- -

#and he just walked into their house #obnoxiously #convo

Since when do you bake?

If you had ONE chance, to change ONE thing you've done wrong in your life, what would that thing be?

I never would have told Ethan about becoming super human.

Right. Good. Bye then.

#//and down the stairs he goes

Bye.

You’re right, I do have my brother to look out for. So don’t be too surprised if the next time you coming looking for us… we’re not there.

I don't blame you. Not at all.

You always had something to lose Cyrus! You had m- …. you had a family. But fine, go do what you want - like you always do anyway. Weren’t you leaving? I have a roof to fix.

#//hes going back to the ladder #convo

You're right, the others are my family but half of them can't stand me and the other half have other more important connections. You have a brother to think about. Sacrificing me isn't that big of a deal. Hell, I'll probably be fine. Don't cry Re, alright? I don't have a choice, Renee. I got myself into this situation and I need to follow through. Unless you have anything better.

Fine. I'll see you later then. Bye Re.

Don’t be an arse about this. You’re risking your life. I told you not to act the hero and what did you do - went and did it anyway. Why’d you have to go talk to her anyway?! Couldn’t just leave it well alone… goddammit Cyrus!

I'm an ass about everything. Look, I don't want you to cry. We just lost Ethan, cry about that. I am risking me life, you're right but this what I want. I don't have anything. There is nothing left here for me to lose. I know this is dangerous but if it works out, it could be the edge we need. You might not have to lead the others into war. We might not have to lose anyone else.

I think you know me well enough that I don't leave anything alone.

Cyrus? Be careful too…. please.

Don't cry, Re. You're supposed to hate me, remember? I'll be fine. Either way. If you need to get a message to me and I'm free, go to the general store in B. There are flower pots in the back. Take the first letter of every word to spell out the message. It's what Ethan and I did. If you need me, no matter what. I'll be there. I think I'll still be good looking without a head.

I … uh…

#//yes he just gave her a forehead kiss #convo

Yeah, don't worry about it. I'm going to go. Finish the roof if you want. You won't listen to me either way. Just be careful okay?

I'll see you around, okay?

You hurt me Cyrus. It’s going to take more than an apology to make that right. It’s going to take more than just empty promises. Why can’t you see that? I cared Cyrus, I cared for you more than probably anyone did and you hurt me, and I know you’re sorry, and I know you regret it… but I don’t think things will ever be how they were. Not really.

I don’t know what I think anymore Cyrus. I never thought you’d lie to me. I never thought your sister would be our enemy. I never thought I’d have to watch someone else die at the hands of that gene. Wait - what? How on earth are you going to prove that Ben is dead?

I know, I know. I don't know how to make it up to you. Every time we talk, you fight and make me feel like a bigger asshole then I already am. And that's very hard, alright? And now Ethan is gone and once again, it's my fucking fault.

I'm going to dig up a body, mutilate it and take a few pictures. Ask Bryan for his camera. Ben is going to tell everyone that I stole all his documents for Delilah. If it works, it works. If It doesn't, just bury me in the woods. I don't want to get cremeated. And I already talked to Elissa but just watch out for my brother, alright? He's a good kid and you can't let my sister get her hands on him. I know you're going to take care of Heidi but do it for me too, alright? I promised Ethan that I would give me life to protect her and I'll do everything in my power to do that. If I die, you call tell Heidi the truth.

What do you want me to say Cyrus, that I forgive you? Well it’s not that easy. I trusted you with my life, and my brothers life, and from the very beginning you kept this secret from me - you said you could trust me, and now I just feel… stupid. Everyone looked to me when it came out - everyone questioned me too, even they expected you to have told me! But like I said - I don’t want to argue about this anymore. I’m tired of arguing. I’m tired…. of lies and secrets…

So you’re going to betray us then, to keep your head? Was this your way of making it up to me…. ?

And I've been trying to make it up to you since everything that happened and you won't accept any of it. What do you want me to do, Renee? What can I do for things to go back to the way they were. You're not the only person who hates me around here and it's just exhausting. I'm done fighting with people I consider my family.

You think I would betray you or anything in order to keep my head? I thought I've made it quite clear that I would sacrifice myself in a minute for anyone. Glad you still have faith in me. No, I'm going to give her forged documents and prove to her that Ben is dead. If she buys it, I live. If she doesn't, I die. I thought you deserved to know. Elissa knows. Ethan knew. I want everyone else to think I betrayed them but you, I don't want you to ever feel that way again. Especially if she decides to kill me.

Look, I'm just going to go.

That’s not the point and you know it … y’know what… just forget it. I’m really not in the mood to argue. Even if I was to tell you not to do it, you’d do it anyway - and frankly I don’t have the energy to freak out.

It was a point when you hadn’t lied to me.

Then what is the point, Re? I already feel guilty enough as it is and I thought you were the one person around here who could actually make me feel better. And you made me feel worse and confirmed what I felt. Well, I met with my sister. Told her I was willing to betray the others and the rebels to be on her side. She didn't believe me of course but she gave me a few tests. If I don't follow through, I'm getting decapitated.

I didn't mean to lie to you. You think I wanted to lose your trust. You give me zero opportunity to make it up to you.