That laugh doesn't ignite the same sort of triumphant glow that Robbie's always gotten when he gets someone to laugh. It used to be basking in attention, now it's more relief at knowing he is doing the best possible imitation of himself.
But that forced little laugh? How many times had Robbie gasped out one huff of a laugh, to show solidarity or meet expectations or sarcastically comment on his situation, when he was still able to do that? Too many, way too many to believe that Terry's amused.
Luckily, Robbie was never laughing about it either. He hadn't meant to be funny. He'd only meant to frame the truth positively. It's something that he's been trying to work on, spinning everything properly. The students do need a lesson in perspective. Of course, they need one. They're high school students, and neither he nor Terry are old enough to have forgotten what that entails.
It just so happens that he also meant 'please scare the shit out of Hazmat, because I don't think she has a healthy appreciation for what can happen if someone's powers get out of control.'
Robbie doesn't get time to wallow in feeling guilty about that. He fits in a fleeting thought along the lines of 'is it really that different than being brought in as the poster child of screw-ups?' Then, Terry lays it at his feet that he's here to see Robbie. "Right."
His mouth feels really dry. Suspected and knowing are two vastly different things, and now talking feels more like an insurmountable task than a chore. Everything you say can and will be used against you in the court of Terry's opinion.
Fuck, he misses the blank metal of the Penance helm. It was so much easier to face the world.
"I knew that," he said quietly. There wasn't much other reason for Terry to have turned up. Don't fidget, don't start accusing Vance of colluding with anyone, don't mention nightmares, don't talk about the first day on the job. Do breathe normally. "But... I also know you didn't put me back in the field. That's what they wanted, isn't it? Moonstone messed me up, I remember her drugging me... and then I was with the Initiative."
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But that forced little laugh? How many times had Robbie gasped out one huff of a laugh, to show solidarity or meet expectations or sarcastically comment on his situation, when he was still able to do that? Too many, way too many to believe that Terry's amused.
Luckily, Robbie was never laughing about it either. He hadn't meant to be funny. He'd only meant to frame the truth positively. It's something that he's been trying to work on, spinning everything properly. The students do need a lesson in perspective. Of course, they need one. They're high school students, and neither he nor Terry are old enough to have forgotten what that entails.
It just so happens that he also meant 'please scare the shit out of Hazmat, because I don't think she has a healthy appreciation for what can happen if someone's powers get out of control.'
Robbie doesn't get time to wallow in feeling guilty about that. He fits in a fleeting thought along the lines of 'is it really that different than being brought in as the poster child of screw-ups?' Then, Terry lays it at his feet that he's here to see Robbie. "Right."
His mouth feels really dry. Suspected and knowing are two vastly different things, and now talking feels more like an insurmountable task than a chore. Everything you say can and will be used against you in the court of Terry's opinion.
Fuck, he misses the blank metal of the Penance helm. It was so much easier to face the world.
"I knew that," he said quietly. There wasn't much other reason for Terry to have turned up. Don't fidget, don't start accusing Vance of colluding with anyone, don't mention nightmares, don't talk about the first day on the job. Do breathe normally. "But... I also know you didn't put me back in the field. That's what they wanted, isn't it? Moonstone messed me up, I remember her drugging me... and then I was with the Initiative."