[ The red on his face fades, but he can't quite stop breathing hard. A silence has stretched on as his words sink in for Albert to understand -- Moran relaxes the anger in his face but the grip on the man's arm doesn't yet loosen.
In many ways, he's worried that without something holding onto him that Albert may very well fade away. He can't put it into words; he isn't quite sure why he has this feeling, but Moran can't say that he likes it.
No, he'd fade away in a way that'd be too painful to watch. It would be the man hiding behind a mask that he couldn't let down for anyone. Eventually, whatever sorrow or guilt or anguish felt, it would all be hidden away somewhere that the man wouldn't even be able to see. Perhaps, he wanted it that way, but Moran thought that he deserved a much better existence.
His breathing settles.
Eventually, Albert seems to be looking at him -- and seeing him. When the hand comes to rest over his own, he loosens his grip to let go of him.
He can't help but look a little surprise at what is said. It certainly isn't something that he expects. Albert doesn't want to kill anyone anymore; he doesn't want that stain to be something that they carry in this world as well. The man isn't being idealistic about it, either. ]
I see.
[ The tension in his own posture relaxes. ]
I don't believe that, Albert. Not all of that was your doing. We share this sort of burden together as fellow conspirators. [ A smile touches his lips. ] It seem like you're giving me something that I was not able to have before.
[ His smile fades. ] The chance to ensure that James Moriarty did not have to have his hands stained with blood. You don't need to ask me to do anything. In fact, I won't ask you to make that decision when you want to be better.
I won't let you give up on living a better life, so... even if you want to... you don't have to carry the burden of my sins and life.
no subject
In many ways, he's worried that without something holding onto him that Albert may very well fade away. He can't put it into words; he isn't quite sure why he has this feeling, but Moran can't say that he likes it.
No, he'd fade away in a way that'd be too painful to watch. It would be the man hiding behind a mask that he couldn't let down for anyone. Eventually, whatever sorrow or guilt or anguish felt, it would all be hidden away somewhere that the man wouldn't even be able to see. Perhaps, he wanted it that way, but Moran thought that he deserved a much better existence.
His breathing settles.
Eventually, Albert seems to be looking at him -- and seeing him. When the hand comes to rest over his own, he loosens his grip to let go of him.
He can't help but look a little surprise at what is said. It certainly isn't something that he expects. Albert doesn't want to kill anyone anymore; he doesn't want that stain to be something that they carry in this world as well. The man isn't being idealistic about it, either. ]
I see.
[ The tension in his own posture relaxes. ]
I don't believe that, Albert. Not all of that was your doing. We share this sort of burden together as fellow conspirators. [ A smile touches his lips. ] It seem like you're giving me something that I was not able to have before.
[ His smile fades. ] The chance to ensure that James Moriarty did not have to have his hands stained with blood. You don't need to ask me to do anything. In fact, I won't ask you to make that decision when you want to be better.
I won't let you give up on living a better life, so... even if you want to... you don't have to carry the burden of my sins and life.