Of Monsters And Men | Discontinued |

Episode Seventeen - Reyes

James Wesley is a dead man. He's been dead for over a year. Yet, still, he holds power over her. She still doesn't know who he is, who he was. She never will, but that doesn't stop it. Him being long dead doesn't stop the doubt that flickers into being every time her gaze settles on Veronica.

It feels wrong. She needs to feel safe, and loved, and she does with Veronica. But Veronica feels... off. Too safe. Too small, unable to protect herself or others. James could. Her friends can- even if it isn't through fighting. Foggy and Karen can protect themselves. Matt can, obviously, protect himself, and anyone he feels the need to.

Veronica can't do that. She isn't strong, or good with words, and is far too flirty and touchy. But she's also understanding. Evren has a bad past andyet Veronica doesn't press on it, doesn't ask for answers-- believing the lies fed to her. Veronica trusts far too easily. Veronica falls hard, and fast. Evren fell hard and fast for James. Evren is still broken by him, still misses the man she doesn't know.

Veronica, sometimes, feels like the wrong person to be with. Even Rot has complained, a couple of times, when Ver was too loud or too rowdy, and they were simply tired, with a worn smile on their face.

What once was endearing has become something to be tired of. They've been together for a short time- hardly a month- and Evren isn't so sure she's ready to continue with her.

The doubt is wrong. Both Rot and Evren know it is, so they ignore it, letting Veronica lead their thoughts astray as they walk through the busy streets. Their arms are linked, Veronica's mouth moving in a steady stream of words- about the library and the new shipment of books arriving.

'We should talk to Frank.'

"Yeah." She mutters, and Veronica shoots her a look.

"I didn't say anything to say 'yeah' too." Ver points out. Evren hesitantly smiles.

"Sorry. I was thinking."

"About?"

"Frank Castle."

"Why?"

She frowns. "I was the guard hired by the law firm representing him. I should talk to him. We talked a bit."

Veronica scoffs. "You talked? About what, Castle wanting to rip your throat out?"

Evren tries not to recoil, and frowns instead. "What? No. We talked about how he lost his family, and, uh, mine, I suppose."

Veronica scowls. "You sympathize with that guy? Your job is to protect people."

"Yeah? He's protecting people too." Evren responds, stopping at the corner, waiting for the light to signal they can cross. "He's just doing it differently."

"By killing people."

"Yes, by killing the ones who hurt everyone else."

"You're really on his side in all this?" Veronica asks, harshly, sending her a surprised glare. "We were both at the trial. You heard everything they said."

"Most of the time, they didn't have proof." Evren responds, tugging her forward. Rot grumbles, settling in her stomach. "Emotions and fallacies aren't viable in court."

"No, but what he did was wrong. Have you thought about how many people lost their families because of him?"

"There are family ties in gangs. Those kids could have grown up to be the next ruthless rapists and murderers. Also, who knows how many of the people he killed were abuser, and beat up their wives and kids for fun?" Evren snaps, impatiently. "He was doing New York some good, good others don't want to do themselves."