[ Diego's grip on his wrist is hard enough to be painful, but that little jolt of pain is enough to snap Ben out of his daze. That, and Diego's harsh words, the look of fierce anger and love on his face. The clouded, confused look in Ben's eyes dissipates somewhat and he takes a step away from Reginald, towards his brother. Then he takes another step, and another, until he is standing close by Diego's side. Closer than he normally would, but there's nothing normal about what's going on right now. ]
I- I think I know what this is.
[ He remembers what he'd seen with Peter, with Pratt. Those had been other nightmares, other fears. But as soon as the idea occurs to him, it makes sense. ]
It's an illusion. They've been popping up, around. Showing people - the things they're most afraid of.
[ And he can say it, because it is Diego, and because he knows Diego will understand. Even if Diego had never heard their father talk to him quite like this, make that particular threat before. Ben is sure there are things he'd said and done, with Diego, that Ben doesn't know about. There isn't much he wouldn't believe Sir Reginald Hargreeves capable of.
At that moment, the nightmare version of Reginald lunges forward, as if to grab Ben and pull him away forcibly this time. Even knowing it's only an illusion, and knowing just how capable he himself is of self-defense, and harming people without too much trouble, Ben freezes up. Hearing that voice again, saying his name, seeing that cold expression, the monocle, all of it, has made Ben feel very small and very helpless. ]
no subject
I- I think I know what this is.
[ He remembers what he'd seen with Peter, with Pratt. Those had been other nightmares, other fears. But as soon as the idea occurs to him, it makes sense. ]
It's an illusion. They've been popping up, around. Showing people - the things they're most afraid of.
[ And he can say it, because it is Diego, and because he knows Diego will understand. Even if Diego had never heard their father talk to him quite like this, make that particular threat before. Ben is sure there are things he'd said and done, with Diego, that Ben doesn't know about. There isn't much he wouldn't believe Sir Reginald Hargreeves capable of.
At that moment, the nightmare version of Reginald lunges forward, as if to grab Ben and pull him away forcibly this time. Even knowing it's only an illusion, and knowing just how capable he himself is of self-defense, and harming people without too much trouble, Ben freezes up. Hearing that voice again, saying his name, seeing that cold expression, the monocle, all of it, has made Ben feel very small and very helpless. ]