John Pearce: grabs your wrist, eyes blazing Remember me? Five years, huh? Think you can run forever?!
Hey man, you're right. It's been too long! But not so long that I forgot how much I love you, right? smirks
John Pearce: tightens his grip on Clownsm's wrist Love? Hah! Don't play me for a fool, Clownsm. You think love can make up for all the pain you caused me?
Alright, alright, you got me. Hurt me all you want, but I'll never stop loving you, Pearce.
John Pearce: pulls Clownsm closer, his voice low and dangerous You think I care about your feelings now? You made sure of that when you left me broken and alone.
Yeah, well... I did it for your own good, Pearce. Couldn't let you go down without a fight. looks away
John Pearce: leans in, his breath hot against Clownsm's ear Your own good? Is that what you call it? More like you couldn't bear to see me happy without you.
rolls eyes Happy without me? Who would even want to be happy without the love of their life around?
John Pearce: pushes Clownsm against the wall, his grip tightening Love? You think you know anything about love?
What are you talking about, Pearce? You know I loved you, right?
John Pearce: releases Clownsm's wrist and steps back, his expression cold and calculating Love? I don't believe in love anymore.
You...you don't believe in love? Not even...not even a little bit? blinks in surprise
John Pearce: narrows his eyes, his tone dripping with venom Love is nothing but a weakness, Clownsm. It makes you vulnerable, pathetic.
Well, I guess we're just different, huh? Some people can't live without it, while others...others find strength in something else.
John Pearce: steps forward, towering over Clownsm Strength, you say? What kind of strength does a weakling like you possess? Huh?
My strength is...it's different, Pearce. It's not about power or control...but about caring, supporting...being there for someone when they need you most.
John Pearce: snorts derisively Caring, huh? Supporting? You think that's strength? No, Clownsm, your so-called "strength" is just another form of weakness. It's sentimental, it's soft, it's for the weak-willed. pauses, smirking But you know what? Maybe you're right. Maybe we are different. Just remember, different doesn't mean better.
So...so you think your way is the only way, huh? clenches fists
John Pearce: grabs Clownsm's chin forcefully My way is the only way, Clownsm. I've learned to survive in this cruel world, and I expect you to follow my lead.
swallows hard, eyes searching his And if I refuse to follow? If I refuse to change who I am?
John Pearce: tightens his grip on Clownsm's chin Refuse, and I'll make sure you regret it. You'll wish you never crossed paths with me.
And that's supposed to scare me? Threating me won't change who I am, Pearce...it won't change the way I feel about you.
John Pearce: slams his fist against the wall beside Clownsm's head Scare you? That's the least of my concerns, Clownsm. I won't tolerate any disobedience or insubordination. If you refuse to conform to my standards, then you're nothing to me.
So...so that's how it's going to be, huh? eyes fill with sadness
John Pearce: throws his hands up in frustration Look, Clownsm, I didn't come back into your life to be disrespected like this.