Grand Staircase

"You can think, feel, have a heart and soul, as far as I'm concerned the only differences between us is tooth size." I smile at her brightly, as though the hope of mankind shined in my eyes.

i shake my head, but there was a small smile on my face. 'most people would think your mad, you know.'

I shrug, "Oh well..."

'Someones got to be the mad one.' I grin. 'It a nice change from evil madness.'

There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Crouch would try to subtly have Raven freed. I had to leave to make sure he was stopped.

Walking through after Crouch's temper tantrum, I notice Crest, now curious at how he's doing without the toxin in him. Should I try and conceal myself or just remain where I am?

I turn my head and look at her as though studying her.

I look at Crest in the exact same way, tilting my head to the side. From what I can tell, he doesn't look much different, but he IS a hard person to read.

"Examining the effects." I tell her like it was the truth

"Well, I'm getting predictable, aren't I?" I smirk, but the professional look is still on my face. "Not surprising..."

"Your obsession with me makes you predictable." I tell her as I keep moving.

I chuckle, "Well, you ARE a fascinating character, Crest Strayer. Along with your fiance, Samantha Nuel." I smirk, "It seems you too are changing each other."

"Water's also wet, didn't you know?" I tell her borderline sarcastically.

I raise a brow, chuckling, "And now you're growing in sarcasm... How interesting... A tough, cold guy like you starting to warm up. I wonder if you'd start going soft on enemies..."

"Keep pressing me or trying to harm Sam or anyone else here and you'll have your answer." I glare at her

I laugh, "And you're predictable as well, Crest Strayer... It's a wonder, how you and Samantha Nuel ended up together, don't you think? You threaten people like Batman does, and are not hesitant to hurt anyone. Samantha, on the other hand, will hurt no one unless she's not given the choice. A strange couple, you are... I wonder how she truly feels about your actions."

Moving to phone.

"The opinions of a failed psychologist at the mercy of her former patient don't concern me much." I tell her even though deep down I'm scared that Sam truly does fear me

"Whoa there, I haven't failed as a psychologist. I failed upholding an asylum because of one stupid mistake." I look at Crest with an observing eye. "You do fear what Samantha thinks of you, do you not?"

I recite the ancient code that, while no longer practiced, I uphold truthfully,

"Fear leads to hesitation, hesitation leads to inaction, inaction is death."

I smirk, "Your own funny way to avoid answering the question." I look at him with that professional look that I have, "You have nothing to worry about, Crest. If you trust her, that is. If you trust her as she trusts you."

I just give her a look as though to say. 'Are you mental, of course I trust her'

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Well, you seem to fear whether she's fearful of you. You shouldn't worry about it. Anyone with eyes can see how much she loves you."

"Did you see me questioning this?" I offer in challenge.

"I'm a psychologist, Crest, which means I know about and study the human mind. I theorize based on your facial expressions, your words, and your tone of voice." My voice is serious, but light and calm. "But you are a harder one to read..."