Batman was looking for his place in my life, that's all. Reassurance. Every does that, to try and shore up their stake, as it were. So I gave him what he asked for and then I held the flame to him and burned him for it.
Sometimes I adore being commodified. Sometimes I do not.
***
Caleb is on his way home. This time for real. He says he's done enough solo traveling for a while, that this is overmuch, that he didn't do anything wrong, didn't lay a hand on my head and that if Pyro thinks I'm going to be the fall guy for everything, Pyro is sadly mistaken.
Don't call him that.
I'll call him whatever I want, Neamhchiontach.
Don't call me that.
Yes, well, I see your conversation with Batman went well and I feel as if you're foundering in my absence.
I do what I want whether you're here or not.
I absolutely love you when you're belligerent.
I can hear the smile in your voice. You're being dishonest.
Just so there's no mistake.
Safe travels, Diabhal.
Tell him I'm coming back and that we're going to sort this out once and for all. I can't advocate for you against his shortcomings if I can't get near you.
I'm not telling him that.
I'll tell him myself, then. Neamhchiontach, this has to stop. We've gotten too old for schoolyard brawls and shouting matches. This isn't some old bike we've found in the woods. It's time they all stopped treating you like property and started treating you in the manner that you deserve.
Pretty sure they've got that covered, actually.
