^{val fished through his pockets for his cigarettes. he offered one to ky. (see? he could be generous. he wasn’t a selfish prick all of the time). he lit his own, kicking his feet up on the table. he peers at ky’lar around a fanged smile.} 

   ^{he’d never trusted a damn soul, but that never stopped him from collecting people like they’re shiny trophies. he kept them begging for his praise and fearing his wrath. it kept them loyal. it kept him safe.} 

    ^{“to each their own. now, i’m not asking you to trust me, ‘cause i sure as fuck don’t trust you, but i’m saying we both got a lot to win and nothing to lose here. what do you say?”}

   _{“there is always something to lose,” he stated bluntly as he took the cigarette. “it may be something small like time or even your favorite jacket, but something’s always lost.” or maybe that was just in his mind.} 

    _{truth be told, he didn’t care. whatever happened was out of his hands, but what he could do was contain whatever damage could happen as best as possible. a reason to why his answer – even if it was a little hesitant at first – would ultimately be final.} 

       _{“you may have much to win, but the way i see it? i have everything to lose.”}