#a year!!!!!

Like be fr, yes, he did excel in his career even making it to the military as a high-ranking soldier is under a year. He made it big; he earned his name and his position. He won. But at what cost?

Who had to go missing, get hurt, or get killed, for him to be where he is today? How many dead bodies did he have to witness and step over in order to make it to his position? How many of his friends were ripped away from his grasp because of his job and the people he had to chase as a result?

How many times has he probably blamed Henry for all of it; the guy who broke out of prison under his experienced eye? Who robbed the Tunisian Diamond? Who betrayed the government while he was present? Who witnessed one of the best military members sacrifice his life for the good of everyone? How much do you think he blames Dave for by not checking the package and being negligent? Does he think Johnny caused his own death by being reckless during a chase? Does he blame the government for trusting a crook and bombing the mission?

He can point fingers all he wants, and he probably does. He's trying to protect himself, protect his ego, protect his mind. He does not want to believe he played a part on all these incidents that destroyed lives. Because deep down, he probably blames himself for everything.

... How many times do you think he blamed HIMSELF for his own negligence and arrogance? Did he blame himself for Dave, his partner, getting fired when he himself was allowed to stay and rise in his field? Does he blame himself for Johnny's death? For not being a good enough driver or not stopping mid-police chase to make sure his partner was okay? If he hypothetically suggested Henry for the Tophat raid, does he blame himself for ruining everything when Henry goes rouge? If Henry complies, does he blame himself for Charles's death by not being able to stop the Tophat takeoff beforehand?

He probably feels like he's never doing enough, so he overcompensates by exceeding expectations and rising quickly. Everything is does is to make up for his singular mistake to his record, and because Henry is well... Henry, he can never make that mistake up. He cannot win to Henry. He can never live down that one fatal error for the rest of his life.

How much does he carry on his shoulders because of his one mistake a year ago? Because if I witnessed what he had, I would also be crushed under that pressure.

TLTR: I hate this man, and I'll make sure he eats asphalt 💖

Rupert: What's with the bricks? Fish: Trauma.

Alt version without the noise and progress shots are right here.

Thanks for reading the yap sesh gang, expect more bc Rupert's so fun to draw in anguish. Beating him to death with that pole Henry used in EtP.