fool’s gold.
His eyes narrow with the mention of “other versions,” first.
But that’s his own thing. It’s Silver he’s dealing with right now, Silver – who’s trying to turn this whole thing back around on him, which really pisses him off.
It pisses him off because it works.
‘You know what? Fuck you,’ he hisses –
– shoving the other boy away, which is a terrible idea; that just gives Silver avenue to escape, but he can’t help it. He’s two seconds away from making things physical, and that’s just. That’s just.
… Silver doesn’t deserve that. No matter how much of an asshole he might be.
His temper’s a mess, lately.
‘I’m not doing anything because I’ve got pricks like you to deal with,’ he says, voice thick with tension. ‘You and Kotone. And who the hell knows where she went.’
But it’s a weak argument, even to his own ears.
There’s so much he could’ve stopped already – and he ignored it all to search out his friends.
The weight of responsibility falls on his shoulders, all at once, and Gold bristles.
‘So – what? What’s it got to do with you? S’not like you’re out here trying to help.’
His tone’s defensive, he sounds pissed off, but he’s already starting to lose steam because –
‘… are you?’
He’s not sure – and for once, Gold wants to believe it.
That Silver’s doing the right thing.
If he thinks he’ll take that chance to escape, then --
Maybe he doesn’t know Silver as well as he thinks. Or maybe Silver hasn’t changed as much as he thinks he has. Neither thought is particularly appealing, and that in itself - that’s good, in a way.
The stance he adopts isn’t meant for fighting; but it isn’t meant for fleeing, either. He’s simply standing his ground. Physically. Mentally. Verbally.
“You don’t have to ‘deal with me!’” he shouts, angered by the very notion. “I can take care of myself. Kotone too.” She’s stronger. Perhaps stronger than either of them. Silver, at least, is aware of the possibility, but even blind to it, Gold should know that she doesn’t need a babysitter.
The fire in Gold’s -- everything. His eyes, his words, his stance. The fire licks the fuse of Silver’s temper, bringing him closer and closer to something he’d rather not think about. Not now.
But when Gold doubts him, that’s what really sets him off.
“Did you really think I was gonna stand by and watch these bastards take over? I’ve got my Pokémon back. I can do something about this. What the hell did you think I was doing? Having a goddamn field day?” Finally, the words come out. “I’m not that person anymore, Gold!”
