He's been thinking very hard for the past few days. Weeks, really, since he made that stupid deal with Fortuna. That was really stupid, and he knows it.

He likes Vi. He really does. (If she were a bit older, it would be perfect. Well, if he hadn't done so many stupid things and put her in so much danger.) That's why this is going to be so very hard...

He knocks on the door and runs a hand back through his hair, completely spoiling his attempt to make it more presentable than usual. (It's been growing out, and is all curly and tangly again.)

She'll forgive him, right?

Who knows?
Violet's been doing a lot of thinking as well. (She didn't much enjoy getting shot.)

"Coming!" she said, about two seconds before she reached the door. She smiled for him.
"Dave, hi! C'mon in."

"Hey."

He doesn't sound entirely happy to see her. That's a first, don't you think? His expression is one of discomfort and worry as he settles himself on the edge of her desk.

"Um... Vi? We need to talk."

"Okay," Violet nodded, losing the smile for a more realistic, serious, slightly puzzled look. She sat on her bed, pulling her legs up underneath her, and setting her hands on her knees.

"What is it that we need to talk about?" she asked, though,..well, with the tone he was using, it was hard not to guess.

"Well..." His gaze drifts to her shoulder. "That Bitch." That's his new name for Fortuna. "And... the rest of the shit that keeps happening to you... 'cause of me."

I think the lad feels guilty, wouldn't you say?

"I think..." Swallow. "I think it needs to stop."

And the only way he can think of to stop it is not a solution he likes.

For a subject that they've been putting some serious thought into, it seems to be coming as quite a shock.

"...How?" Violet asks, cutting straight to the point. Her voice grows so quiet it's barely a whisper. "Are you saying what I think you're saying...?"

"Prob'ly. If you're thinking that I'm... Oh, fuck it."

He runs a hand back through his hair.

"Look, Vi. I like you. But I do not like all the shit that keeps happening, and I can't stop it happening. Best thing for you is to be well clear of it and me. I'm sorry 'bout it, and if I could think of some other way I would, but I can't."

Sigh.

"It's been fun. But I think it's over."

He stands, with the intention of heading out the door.

"Yeah," Violet nods, numbed. "Yeah,...I, guess you're right."

This hurts, and it's awkward, and it makes her sad, all at once. The best way she has of dealing with it is appearing not to be.

"B'bye now." She gives a small wave, not looking at him.

"Bye." He's almost whispering.

And then he's gone.