[How funny. Albert had intended it as a genuine compliment. But neither of them can read minds, so here he is now frustrated with Moran's obvious fouled mood.
It shouldn't be hard for him to say what he wants to say. That he wants to start here from zero, in certain regards. That he wants to try being genuine and honest about his feelings, one tiny step at a time. But, well... He couldn't even tell William that at home, that things wore on him, that he felt hollowed out and gravely responsible for everything, that the fervor and idealism was all that kept him going. It was never pressing, never a crisis. Things were always going strictly according to plan. But Albert knows they can't go on like that forever.
It's because he trusts Moran with his life and his brother's purpose that now he can't say what he's feeling. Surely he'd be called every name in the book if he were to admit to wanting things to be simpler. And somehow, betraying Moran's expectations currently feels like betraying William's trust.
Still.
Albert doesn't like this back and forth of foul moods. He speaks again with cutting coldness.]
It was a compliment, Colonel. I suppose I'm not allowed that, even if we're "friends" or "equals" here, then? If you'd rather I treat you as a subordinate and nothing more, just say the word.
no subject
It shouldn't be hard for him to say what he wants to say. That he wants to start here from zero, in certain regards. That he wants to try being genuine and honest about his feelings, one tiny step at a time. But, well... He couldn't even tell William that at home, that things wore on him, that he felt hollowed out and gravely responsible for everything, that the fervor and idealism was all that kept him going. It was never pressing, never a crisis. Things were always going strictly according to plan. But Albert knows they can't go on like that forever.
It's because he trusts Moran with his life and his brother's purpose that now he can't say what he's feeling. Surely he'd be called every name in the book if he were to admit to wanting things to be simpler. And somehow, betraying Moran's expectations currently feels like betraying William's trust.
Still.
Albert doesn't like this back and forth of foul moods. He speaks again with cutting coldness.]
It was a compliment, Colonel. I suppose I'm not allowed that, even if we're "friends" or "equals" here, then? If you'd rather I treat you as a subordinate and nothing more, just say the word.