Elizabeth
As much as she tries to avoid flipping the switch on 'therapist mode,' how do you turn off what you are? So as much as Elizabeth fights it, she finds herself validating Ronin's emotions around the negative experience, analyzing the toxicity and trauma. "I'm sure that was difficult. It would be hard to say 'no' to someone you owe a life debt to." Not that she would know that personally, but she can't imagine anyone could avoid the guilt-trip of 'You would be dead without me.' But how do you value a life? A few favors in return? A 'thank you'? Loyalty? Indentured servitude? When did it stop? That's where a relationship takes a real strain.
The smile she gives isn't pitying, only warmly supportive and open as she says, "As much as I'm sure you were relieved to be alive, there must have been a lot of other emotions there. I'm happy to hear you escaped." 'Escaped unscathed' didn't seem likely, but leaving a toxic relationship is the first step to rebuilding, and the man before her looks anything but broken. And she feels fairly certain that it has a lot to do with Vi. "After such chaos and manipulation, I'm glad that Vi has given you the structure and trust that you need."
If only to remind herself that she shouldn't be acting as therapist, she lunges at the topic of Torchline culture and her own buzz. Pressing a hand to her fuzzy head, Elizabeth shakes her head. "As long as it doesn't bring any other things out, I don't think I mind." She laughs, grateful that she doesn't feel any nausea or desires to throw herself at attractive people.
The smile she gives isn't pitying, only warmly supportive and open as she says, "As much as I'm sure you were relieved to be alive, there must have been a lot of other emotions there. I'm happy to hear you escaped." 'Escaped unscathed' didn't seem likely, but leaving a toxic relationship is the first step to rebuilding, and the man before her looks anything but broken. And she feels fairly certain that it has a lot to do with Vi. "After such chaos and manipulation, I'm glad that Vi has given you the structure and trust that you need."
If only to remind herself that she shouldn't be acting as therapist, she lunges at the topic of Torchline culture and her own buzz. Pressing a hand to her fuzzy head, Elizabeth shakes her head. "As long as it doesn't bring any other things out, I don't think I mind." She laughs, grateful that she doesn't feel any nausea or desires to throw herself at attractive people.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
