[ The way he doesn't mask his disapproval has her own expression creasing in consternation, not quite begrudging him the opinion because she had expected it, but challenging his disdain all the same. ]
I know they can be used against me, just like you can. Just like I can be used against you.
But protecting them also makes me stronger. Gives me purpose.
[ Could she have beaten him in the first place if it weren't for her rage over what had been done to Finn? She does not fear using that rage, as she once had, does not shy from it. Ben does not believe she can turn; why should she fear the possibility? Her anger is not her enemy; it's righteous. ]
I have drive for more than just surviving because of the people I care about. And … I have people I can trust would protect me in turn, if something happened.
[ Something in her expression softens on this, searching his face as if wanting to seek if he has any understanding of what she describes. He's known loneliness too. Not too terribly long ago, she wouldn't understand the benefit of those people.
But surely he had seen it in the way she came for him when Loki confronted him. He might think she was weaker for it, but wasn't he comforted to know that someone in this universe cared? Or was that just her desperation for connection, for something to fill her loneliness, that made her feel that way and hope he felt the same? ]
no subject
[ The way he doesn't mask his disapproval has her own expression creasing in consternation, not quite begrudging him the opinion because she had expected it, but challenging his disdain all the same. ]
I know they can be used against me, just like you can. Just like I can be used against you.
But protecting them also makes me stronger. Gives me purpose.
[ Could she have beaten him in the first place if it weren't for her rage over what had been done to Finn? She does not fear using that rage, as she once had, does not shy from it. Ben does not believe she can turn; why should she fear the possibility? Her anger is not her enemy; it's righteous. ]
I have drive for more than just surviving because of the people I care about. And … I have people I can trust would protect me in turn, if something happened.
[ Something in her expression softens on this, searching his face as if wanting to seek if he has any understanding of what she describes. He's known loneliness too. Not too terribly long ago, she wouldn't understand the benefit of those people.
But surely he had seen it in the way she came for him when Loki confronted him. He might think she was weaker for it, but wasn't he comforted to know that someone in this universe cared? Or was that just her desperation for connection, for something to fill her loneliness, that made her feel that way and hope he felt the same? ]