Finding Noor

[Bay]

Bay looked away. The pressure emanating from Ni made his eardrums feel like they would burst. He sat in silence before he spoke again.

"I... agree with you Ni," he began softly, "Killing him... is the best course of action. I... I don't have qualms about that, but not for the same reasons you have."

He sighed and looked at her eyes, "I'm not a good or pure person Ni. I know myself well enough to say that. I'm selfish and cowardly. What Merrick is doing is... horrible. I know that. But... it's also hard enough taking care of yourself out here."

He looked away ashamed, "When I found out who he was... I wanted to walk away. When you got hurt... I had hoped that was the end of it. That you'd see it wasn't worth it... but you didn't."

He turned to look at her again, "Ni, I didn't lose someone growing up like you did. I never had anyone to begin with. I.. I was the bay rat. No one wanted me. You're... you're the first real friend I've ever had," he blushed, embarrassed, "I know it's stupid. We haven't really known each other very long. But that's how I feel."

"I don't want to see you getting hurt or killed over this... that's my reason for going after Merrick... but I also don't want to see you become something you're not..."