[Because really, Mako, he doesn't see how she is around other people. He knows how she is with him, when they're behind closed doors and what the world thinks doesn't matter. But she's also yelling at him now, for some awful thing that Ben said and Raleigh didn't take it as a slave should and would and isn't that what she wants? For him to stop doing that?]
[ Mako never wants him to take it like a slave should; it was vile to assume that about him, but a few sharp, cutting words from her had set the matter straight -- what Mako doesn't understand is the fact that Raleigh doesn't consider the consequences even she can't save him from.
In a world like this, Mako belongs to the vast minority, and as much as it galls her to say it, there are some battles to pick, and some to let go. Ben belongs to the latter. ]
I know. Of course he deserves it -- but have you ever thought of what would happen to you if you did? Raleigh, think! You're not a slave in my eyes, but what about others?
[Maybe Raleigh doesn't want her to have to fight all his battles. He's capable, he's fighting fit, he can kick ass and he can kick the shit out of Ben if he wants to. Except-- no, not really. He can't just do whatever he wants, when it's not just him and Mako and his collar feels heavier than it has in a long time right now.]
[ Of course he can kick ass, and kick the shit out of Ben if he wants to -- Mako has no doubt about that; but Ben is... he's a willfully ignorant shit and Raleigh deserves better than to be taken away from her because he was too hotheaded to think clearly.
When he says that, Mako exhales, and simply reaches out to put her hand on his knuckles, over the ones that are bruised. ]
Fair enough. [ She sighs. ] More than beating that person's face in, I don't want to lose you. Do you understand?
[Now that he's calming down, that the anger is leaving him, his knuckles are starting to ache from beating Ben's face in and he winces a little when she takes his hand. He's going to need some ice for them sooner or later but for now, he nods. Yes, he understands. He doesn't want to leave either.]
Do you really think he'll complain?
[What about beating Ben up to keep his stupid fucking mouth shut?]
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[Because really, Mako, he doesn't see how she is around other people. He knows how she is with him, when they're behind closed doors and what the world thinks doesn't matter. But she's also yelling at him now, for some awful thing that Ben said and Raleigh didn't take it as a slave should and would and isn't that what she wants? For him to stop doing that?]
He deserved it. And you know it.
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In a world like this, Mako belongs to the vast minority, and as much as it galls her to say it, there are some battles to pick, and some to let go. Ben belongs to the latter. ]
I know. Of course he deserves it -- but have you ever thought of what would happen to you if you did? Raleigh, think! You're not a slave in my eyes, but what about others?
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I won't apologize. But-- I won't... do it again.
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When he says that, Mako exhales, and simply reaches out to put her hand on his knuckles, over the ones that are bruised. ]
Fair enough. [ She sighs. ] More than beating that person's face in, I don't want to lose you. Do you understand?
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Do you really think he'll complain?
[What about beating Ben up to keep his stupid fucking mouth shut?]