The Way Out is Through

[Clint Cross]

Clint just listened, keeping his arms around her as she told her story. It was horrible and while the version of her father was flawed and basically gave Selene to Lucius to train as he saw fit, he wasn't quite this sadistic. He was actually glad that version of Khan was dead and that she was the one to do the deed. "What an asshole." he shook his head and sighed heavily. "You didn't deserve that. No one does. Being a father, there's very little my daughter would do that would make me want to do anything remotely like that, even if she became a mass murderer, she'd still be my 'little girl' deep down in my heart." he looked her in the eyes. "Still, you were strong enough to take him out of the game permanently. You have always had a lot more strength and power in here." he pointed to her chest. "Than a lot of people give you credit for. If your father was still alive and if our reality's Selene was still here, she'd personally fight him with you. No one does that to a Selene and lives to feel good about it."

[Liara]

"I never want to go back there Clint." Selene said, there was genuine fear in her eyes. "Lucius was no better except with him it was mental. He started when I was in that box and it wasn't the last time it happened. I just...I don't want to go back. Promise me."

[Clint Cross]

"I promise you that you will never have to go back there or endure that again." Clint said as he touched her cheek. "As far as I'm concerned this is home now. And I don't mean Joe's or this House, this reality. Anyone from there comes for you, we face 'em and we handle them as a team."

[Liara]

She nodded and kissed him softly.

"So am I more or less screwed up than she was?" Selene inquired.

[Clint Cross]

"Eh, different ways... maybe about even. There was plenty she never told me and I'm sure there'll be plenty you won't tell me either." Clint replied. "At least you didn't have your head messed with on the regular as much. I know it got so bad at times, she'd have to remind herself what her name was. They'd routinely wipe her memories of certain missions, of course you really can't wipe' memories. They get suppressed and come out other ways. Trust me on that, I tried to have my memories of what I did with K'n'zy erased but they came out in my dreams and yeah... I chose to keep them. The pain sort of reminds me why I try to do what I do. Is it healthy... fuck if I know. All my friends are just as screwed up as we are."

[Liara]

"Part of that assassin support group?" Selene inquired as she reached over, pulled out fresh candles, and lit them. "You can turn the light out if you want. I think I'll be okay with the candle light and...you make me feel safe."

[Clint Cross]

'"Yeah kinda AND we're related to them in some way shape or form." Clint chuckled and turned out the lights as the candles started to glow. "I'm glad I make you feel safe, every agent needs at least one person that's a safe zone. Otherwise this job just eats you up inside. Why do you think outside of Directors, the majority of agents are young... either they die in the field, they die from injuries or they find some way to end it all that while not exactly suicide may as well be. Making stupid mistakes, letting themselves take a dangerous position or mission knowing its one way. Other than their logs, there's no one to just let it out to. That has the clearance to know details, that understands the life. This isn't exactly the safest or happiest line of work. Now that I know that confined spaces aren't your best places to be... I won't put you into a situation where you have to be in a crawlspace for a day or two on end. Let Lyashev do that. She's great at hanging out in small spaces. Almost enjoys it, creeps me out but whatever floats your boat."

[Liara]

"Yeah and hey surprise!" Selene said with a small laugh. "Something different."

[Clint Cross]

"Hey... that's almost a good thing." Clint laughed lightly. "So... are you feeling a little better? Or you want to talk about it more?"

[Liara]

"I think I'm feeling better." Selene said as she touched his hand. "I guess Orlaith just reminded me of it."