bloodlines || bode + dante || ruina rex
@dante-carrington
[After Kaiser was pronounced dead Bode had second thoughts about taking Espen to see Carrington. What he had wanted to do instead was get Espen in Torren, lock the door and throw away the damn key. A fact that Espen found incredibly frustrating.]
Someone just died and instead of talking about how it’s affecting you, you rather hole up in your dorm?
It’s not affecting me.
Bode.
Pen.
You don’t see anything wrong with not wanting to talk about something this serious?
We didn’t even know the man.
That’s not the point. [Espen seemed at his breaking point, and so, Bode relented. He truly didn’t understand why it was so important for them to discuss the death of a man they never even met. A life wasted is a sad thing, of course, but it felt borderline shameful to play the role of grieving friend when Bode had nothing to do with Kaiser. He learned very early on that sympathy and empathy are vastly different and producing one over the other in the wrong situation could lead to mistakes. Something neither Bode or Espen could currently afford.
As they neared Carrington’s office Bode thought back to their conversation earlier in the week, specifically the last few moments they had shared. He wondered now, as Espen crossed the threshold of his office door what Dante would have to say about grief today. There would be no escaping it today, not if he wanted to ruin any chance he had of repairing his relationship with his brother. He would have to be careful today. Their first meeting, Bode revealed too much, gave up too much. And now with Kaiser dead, Bode was wholly aware the implications of having a therapist who aligned themselves with the NWRF. If he had been paranoid before...]
Dr. Carrington? [Espen’s tone was respectful, but it still sung like a child’s, at least, it did to Bode. He closes the door behind them, motioning for his brother to take one of the chairs across from Dante.] I’m sorry we’re a bit late, I couldn’t find my jacket. [Liar.]
Doctor. [An easeless greeting as he takes the seat beside Espen.] Eventful morning we’re having.
Bode.
I was just trying to break the ice, Pen.
Well stop. I’m sorry about him. I usually have a spray bottle for him but I forgot it at home today. [He wasn’t entirely pleased about being chastised in front of Dante but he said nothing in his own defense. He just glared at the small stack of papers on Dante’s desk.]
You could always use your shoe.
