bad habit

It is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire.

“i said minus that bit, ro!” xavier whined. “and besides, i only offered ‘cause, uh - cause i couldn’t back out of it! they’d shoot their arrows either way, so, i mean -  i just… i just had to embrace it, y’know?”

“doesn’t count, xav.” rowan scoffed. “just don’t get killed on my watch. the kids would never forgive me.”

the evidence isn’t ruling in your favour right now but i’ll take your word for it. 

do you want me to lie to you to spare your feelings? i totally can, if you want.

what feelings?

well, if that isn’t the rudest thing i heard today then i don’t know what is.

i’d apologize but i’m really not sorry.

“Whadaya want, kiddo? I got just about everything and more.”

“first off, for you not to call me kiddo. that shit we had last time was a trip.”

“i think that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me. followed by just about the dumbest.” she rolled her eyes, but in amusement rather than annoyance this time. “the thought of ever being one of your bunnies makes me shudder, teddy.”

what’re you willing to give?

i’d offer ya archery lessons but i’m sure you’re not interested.

the fun is that i don’t get hurt, of course.

good thing i don’t really give two fucks about your well-being.

“Sounds like you’ll be able to find somethin’ to get a better handle on your boredom. You’ll have a slammin’ summer with the amount of counselors who have a bit of adventure in their veins.”

“You’re not one of ‘em, I take it?”

nobody likes a mooch, rowan. gonna have to do better n'that.

name your price then.

“Rowan Martinez, reincarnation of the beautiful Greek goddess Artemis herself, please let me pass through with no harm. I can offer you any drug or alcohol you’d like.”

“now we’re talking, joshua.”

“yeah, this sounds like a problem for you -- not me.”

“well, uh, you said — i think you said nice guys never prosper? but, y’know, i dunno about that. i mean, i’m a nice guy, and i’m prospering. minus the whole arrow to the eyeball bit, of course. i’m doing just fine!”

“are you? you basically just offered yourself up to be a walking target for five thirteen year olds with arrows.”