@vigorminded ♡
As a relative of the Prince, he’s not supposed to take sides in the feud, but since Mercutio isn’t keeping his affiliation under wraps, Neal figures it his friendship with Tybalt, which is more like a uncle-niece type connection, won’t do any harm. It was his pedigree that in the first place allowed him access to the prestigious Capulets, though he’d never much liked Mr. and Mrs. Capulet themselves. Tybalt, on the other hand, he instantly recognized as a reflection of who he used to be. He discussed it with himself a few times, before he made one rash decision to befriend her and hopefully help her out the way he wished someone would’ve helped him out. It took a while to gain her trust, but here they are, on the brink of a meaningful friendship, and he feels as though it is time to share some words of wisdom, which he’s kept to himself until now.
"Tybalt, I know ... I know how it feels to be controlled by your own blood. It feels like there’s no way out, like you’re stuck for the rest of your life, and like even if you leave – then what? – then you’re just gonna continue what those bastards have set you up to do for your whole life? But it doesn’t have to be that way. My father,” a shadow creeps into his voice, “he threw me away when I wasn’t acting like he wanted me to. That obviously wasn’t a good feeling, but it freed me, too. You’ve gotta fight back, or you’ve gotta leave. This isn’t healthy for you, kid.”
















