Freeze your brain

"Pieces of shit don't tend to sit around wondering if they're pieces of shit. And seeing as you haven't thrown anything my way, I'd say probably not as bad as you were before."

Rory laid back on her elbows, somewhat worried, but then she cracked a grin. "That's not romance, my dude. That's just... Awe, shit. It's, uh, family. I guess. I was never a big toucher until I got my team and then it was just the easiest and fastest method of communication care. Especially when you're all broken up inside, it's nice to be touched by someone you trust."

Then Rory lost a little bluster to her smile. "Broen... That's a dangerous fucking game you have going. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but I'm going to point out the obvious here. The fact that she still wants you on as a bodyguard is fucking concerning. It's.. reckless as shit. And for what? Because she's attracted to you?

"I don't think you're useless, don't get me wrong. And I'll fight forever on that with you. But, Zora needs to straighten out her priorities and so do you and it doesn't sit right with me that she told you she liked you so soon. She didn't have to. Unless you held a gun to her head, which I doubt you did. That was a choice she made and it was a shitty one when you're so raw right now."

Rory stared at him for a good long time. With a very tired sigh, Rory got up and stretched her arms over her head like she was getting ready for track. "Okay. I am angry with you. Most of my anger has been redirected at this stupid fucking situation. But I'm frustrated with you too.

"I'm annoyed you can't just fuckin' accept that I'm not a damn liar and I say what I mean, despite that I've never once been dishonest with you. I'm annoyed you like some chick who very obviously is a terrible match-up for you, is going to give you problems in the future, and is very likely going to bore you with the constant damsel in distress personality.

"I think you're an idiot for staying on a job that's very likely to get you fucking killed. More annoyed that I know I'm going to be around to help you because it's who I am. Pissed that you refuse to see I'm helping you out of something more than pity or coddling."

And now, she crouched in front of him, arms rested on her knees and meeting his eyes. "And... I'm pissed at me too. Because it's all too hard to let you go out on your own when I should be fucking brave enough to tell you to sit the fuck down and let me make sure you're fine before you run off and do something you'll regret.

"Is that enough or do I have to yell too? You definitely haven't tried to kill me enough to get me yelling at you, so understand if that's what you're looking for it will be forced and fake. I'd just go and cool off if you had me that tilted."

Rory held her cheek after he'd slapped her, looking mildly shocked, then about one-hundred and ten percent amused. "Well, that worked. Which part was the slap for?"

She snorted and stood up so as not to be awkwardly crouching near him anymore. "Not fuck me. You were put in the hospital. But if you want to keep it, just know I'm going to keep fuckin' watch. Same with Jude. You guys will be the end of me.

"And fuck your dad, you got us and we-- Shit. At least I'm going to make sure shit stays at least okay. Even if you slap me again."

She rubbed her arm some and determined the idea of her being a 'shitty' person. Jude'd called her a good person. Many people called her a stupid person. Who fucking knew anymore. "I'm trying," she told him. "It's not easy being the asshole making sure no one gets in over their head, you know? It's not like I get any pleasure out of telling you this hard-truth shit."

This hug didn't feel as odd as it had in the hospital in front of everyone and wondering if she was going to get hit or something similar. Rory wrapped her arms around him and held him tight for at least a minute. Even for someone who was used to hugs, that felt like forever. She rubbed his back while she mulled over her answer.

"It's more a matter of respect than knowledge. I don't know my own type either."

Rory didn't bother to explain that she didn't mind hugging or touching. It was odd not being the initiator, but she hardly cared. He'd learn the Hell out of that in time.

She pulled back enough that she could put her forehead to his and consider him. Part of her wanted to say sorry that it had ever happened, but she didn't need to and he'd not want the pity.

"Well, that shit isn't going to happen ever again."

Rory thought about this and an idea struck her. Better than talking. Easier, even. Probably more helpful.

"Shit. I have an idea. Maybe a few." She glanced at his side. "It'll probably hurt your side, but have you tried just yelling? Not about anything, but just screaming."

It sounded stupid saying it. She laughed nervously. "Or, yelling at someone like you wanted to be yelled at? Really the only way to unload is to say things. Or it'll just sit and fester."