[ the inquiry in a lot of ways has been a long time coming, and yet in the moment it's unexpected. frank's eyebrows knit together as he leans heavily on one elbow and drinks from his glass with the other hand, as if it helps him think. but he already knows the answer, it's merely a stall for how to relay it to karen. he still can't look at her directly, so he looks through his glass as he rolls it back and forth in his hand, taking comfort from the slosh of the unidentified amber liquid. ]
Because you helped me. [ she helped him remember. she helped him piece back what little remained of his former self. but also- ] You listened to me. [ when she didn't have to. when she had no obligation to do anything for him, frank castle: a criminal. he catches her eyes at last and there's a steadiness to his gaze she probably hasn't seen before. at least not for long. ]
I care what happens to you. [ frank nods, parroting back her words. because they're as true for as little regard as he's ever had for himself. and he knows he's hurt her with that disregard, just as she's hurt him. ]
no subject
Because you helped me. [ she helped him remember. she helped him piece back what little remained of his former self. but also- ] You listened to me. [ when she didn't have to. when she had no obligation to do anything for him, frank castle: a criminal. he catches her eyes at last and there's a steadiness to his gaze she probably hasn't seen before. at least not for long. ]
I care what happens to you. [ frank nods, parroting back her words. because they're as true for as little regard as he's ever had for himself. and he knows he's hurt her with that disregard, just as she's hurt him. ]