The Ties That Bind Us

21

It's been a few days since I've talked to Cordelia and I've tried coming up with ways to tell Hela everything. I don't want to overwhelm her but we also need to start planning as soon as possible. It doesn't help that she's been distant with me; not really talking or interacting other than a hum or a nod.

I sigh as I go downstairs for dinner to meet everyone else at the table, including her. I take my seat next to her and don't even try to engage. I'm just setting myself up for disappointment. "What the fuck, Zoe?" Madison exclaims randomly, I look over quickly at the sheer volume of her voice.

"I didn't have a choice, Maddie" Zoe counters and I have no clue what they're talking about. I look over to Delia who has her hand on her forehead as she looks down at her plate. "No choice? You ALWAYS have a choice" Madison argues, "Maddie you were- I had to do something" Zoe replies.

She's being really careful not to give anything away and I respect that. "It was just a little bit! God you're so fucking dramatic" Madison yells, "she's dramatic?" Queenie chimes in. "Shut. UP" Madison screams as she stands up, "hey! Don't talk to her like that" Misty butts in.

"Guys... let's just take a breath. Lower our voices a little? You can't even hear each other with all the yelling" I speak up and they all turn to face me. "So you're siding with her? Wowww" Madison chuckles incredulously. "I'm not siding with anyone. I'm saying you all are going to give me a headache" I groan.

"It's not my fault she's a fucking snitch" Madison exclaims, leaning over the table to get in Zoe's face. The brunette looks remorseful and a little scared honestly. "Madison... please calm down" Delia mutters, "no! This isn't fa-" "MADISON! Shut. The fuck. Up" I state. The room falls silent and Madison stares at me in shock.

"Go to your room" I order, "you can't-" she starts but I glare at her. "I will not repeat myself, Montgomery" I state and she rolls her eyes before disappearing. I sit back down and start eating my food again, the room still quiet. "T-thank you" Zoe whispers from across the table, I just nod with a small smile.

I excuse myself and go up to Maddie's room to talk to her. Turns out Zoe told on her for binge drinking and she was just prideful about it. I had them talk and they made up rather quickly. I then retired to my room to see Hela sitting on the bed and staring at the wall. This isn't an uncommon occurrence as of recently so I just walk past her.

"It just occurred to me how much pain they're in..." she mumbles, "who?" I ask confused and shocked that she even spoke. "Everyone. Everywhere, all the time..." she whispers as she continues to stare into space. "Are you-" she waves her hand dismissively, stopping me mid-question.

"I just can't imagine—feeling things all the time. I mean even happiness can be overwhelming, it's like you can't catch a break..." she says and I sit next to her and just listen. It's felt like it's been so long since I've heard her voice. "I'm sorry for being so cold to you lately, I just—there's so many emotions" she admits and I nod.

"Tell me about it" I chuckle softly, she turns to me and sighs. "I accept your apology" I add and she shows a weak smile. "Thank you... for saving me. Even if I didn't know I needed saving" she voices, "you're welcome. And I would do it a million times over" I state. She wraps her arms around me and I do the same as she leans her head on my shoulder.

"Now that you're talking again..." I start and she hums in response. "There's something I have to tell you. Well, a few things" I sigh and she pulls away to look in my eyes. "I don't like how you said that" she states, "you're not going to like what I have to say next either" I mutter. She fully removes herself from me but takes my hand.

"You're worrying me, Isa" she admits, "I'm worried too" I confess. I recall to her everything, as well as my thoughts on it all. I talk to her about my time here on Migard, without her. About who my parents are and those weird dreams I had. She listens intently, nodding along as I basically word vomit.

When I get to the part about our fates being tied together, I see her freeze. She tenses up as I continue and I rub my thumb on the back of her hand. Then, as I get to the bit about our life force or more specifically hers, I can see the anger in her eyes. Once I'm done she stares at me for a moment, not saying anything.

"So what you're saying is... I can destroy Asgard, as my power is no longer sourced from it" she states, "hypothetically, yes" I answer. "Then that's what I'll do" she decides, standing up and looking for her suit. "W-wait! Don't you think we should think about this?" I ask, "think about what?" she counters, turning to look at me with fire behind her eyes.

I take a step back and she sighs, walking over to me to take my hands in hers. "Listen. He- we took everything from you. He meddled in both of our lives without consent. I am angry for myself, yes, but... I'm angry for you to. So maybe it is selfish because I feel like if I do this—maybe I won't feel so guilty" she explains as her face slowly lowers to the ground.

I raise her head so she looks into my eyes and just remain silent for a few seconds. "I forgive you for that..." I let her know, "but I can't forgive myself..." she whispers. I rest my forehead on hers and she closes her eyes, letting her hands fall on my waist. "You didn't know any better... and I know you would never do that now" I whisper as I stare at her face.

"I'm sorry for everything" she mumbles, "the past and anything I might do later" she adds. I furrow my eyebrows as she says that, feeling anxiety settle in my chest. She pulls her head away and gently squeezes my sides before letting go. "You should get some rest" she states, leaving the room directly after. I think I prefer the silent treatment over whatever... this is.