Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“I can be pretty persuasive when I wanna be.”</span> you said, taking care not to sound <span class="mu-i">too</span> easy going. <span class="mu-r">“Plus, he’s been pretty receptive towards my advice so far. With a bit of time and effort, I think I can get him to come around.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“That’s a big gamble you’re taking.”</span> Matt said, raising an eyebrow as he…stared in your direction. <span class="mu-r">“What has he done to deserve all this time and effort you’re investing into him?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“It’s not about that.”</span> you admitted with a wave of your hand. <span class="mu-r">“I’m working this from <span class="mu-i">multiple</span> angles, Matt. If Silvermane doesn’t want to play ball, then there’ll be others who will.”</span>
Both of Matt’s brows lifted this time. It was a feat that you took pride in, in your most secret of hearts.
The two of you stared at one another for a good, long while, neither saying a single word. For your part, it was mostly because you wanted to let your earlier statement sink in. But also, you didn’t want to be the first one to break the staredown.
Finally, after that long, grueling silence had mercifully passed, Matt breathed out a sigh through his nose and relaxed his shoulders slightly. You relaxed a bit as well.
<span class="mu-r">“Alright. You're either telling the truth, or you're the best liar I've ever met. At the very least, you seem to believe everything you just told me. I'm not sure which possibility is more frightening.”</span> Matt said, gripping his walking stick by the handle and yanking it out of the ground with a sharp tug.
<span class="mu-r">“I'm not gonna let him yank me around.”</span> you promised. <span class="mu-r">“If I don't like what he's doing, I'll do my best to get him to stop, one way or another.”</span>
Matt's frown had lessened somewhat, but it hadn't disappeared entirely.
<span class="mu-r">“That's not what I'm worried about. I don't doubt that you can take out Silvermane.”</span> Matt confirmed. <span class="mu-r">“I'm worried about you.”</span>
You placed a hand over your heart and tilted your head to the side.
<span class="mu-r">“Matt, I'm flattered. But I'm a taken man, and-”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I'm worried about what you might become in your pursuit for power.”</span> Matt continued, rolling right over you in the conversation. <span class="mu-r">“I'm worried about the collateral damage that you might cause, or allow, in order to stay on Silvermane's good side. But, more than any of that… I'm worried that your ambitions might ruin you. They might even ruin this city.”</span>
Matt’s unseeing gaze drifted upwards, and you had to assume that he was taking in his surroundings with whatever senses he had left.
<span class="mu-r">“So, I’m going to hold you to your word. If I think that at any point you’re losing your grip, I’ll be the one to push you back on the right path. That, I will promise you…”</span>
For just a moment, you felt an intensity from Matt that matched that of his vigilante persona. What he just said could very easily be perceived as a threat, but you weren’t so sure about that.
(Cont.)
