There's tears pricking at Jasper's eyes when Rose picks herself up, but she stands tall, straight-backed and proud as ever.
"I accept your apology. That doesn't mean I forgive you."
But it's something. For the first time since Jasper learned of Rose's secret, she feels like they're on even footing again. Like some of the power Rose held over her has dissipated.
"Don't expect me to take you up on that." It's easier to breathe, now, but that doesn't take away the pain. "And don't expect me to trust you." She learned that lesson well.
"I don't expect anything of you, Jasper," Rose says, sincerely.
It's not the same as expecting nothing, not in the sense that she thinks
Jasper's just going to sit around collecting dust, but when it comes to
expecting good or bad...she can't. She won't'.
"Good." Because she doesn't expect much from herself, either. She steps back. "That's... all I wanted to say." And, y'know. The punching. There's more. There's so much more, but she's not sure she has it in her to go down that rabbit hole. Not right now.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Not that being punched by Jasper should really come as a surprise, all things considered.
She straightens up, slowly, and just nods. Jasper's absolutely right, and she deserves worse; nothing to add there.
no subject
"I accept your apology. That doesn't mean I forgive you."
But it's something. For the first time since Jasper learned of Rose's secret, she feels like they're on even footing again. Like some of the power Rose held over her has dissipated.
no subject
She nods, feeling a weight lift from her chest that she didn't realize until this moment had felt...crushing.
"Thank you. And if there's anything I can do...you know I mean it."
She meant it before, but. It feels more real now.
no subject
no subject
"I don't expect anything of you, Jasper," Rose says, sincerely.
It's not the same as expecting nothing, not in the sense that she thinks Jasper's just going to sit around collecting dust, but when it comes to expecting good or bad...she can't. She won't'.
no subject
no subject
Rose nods very slightly and looks away, but just for a moment.
"Alright. Just...thank you, for trying to stop me on deck. Before anyone else got hurt."
no subject
But she didn't want to leave Rose like that. She hates that she still cares, after everything.
no subject
"Yeah." Rose nods. "I - of course."
It feels like more that, but she won't push it.
no subject