A/N - or the pirates of penzance...no wait...wait...no...
Dark strides through the corridors in silence, Marvin following behind, his eyes glued to the floor. Dark is staring straight ahead, a vision of controlled fury as he leads Marvin to where they're heading. He had seen Marvin was on the run, that something dangerous was following him and, all he wanted was to protect him. There's just something about Marvin that almost makes him feel…. But now…
There's a fresh, new room in the building, the door visible from down the corridor and when they reach it, Dark pushes it open, gesturing for Marvin to make his way in. Inside there's a bed, some shelves, a TV in the corner. Obviously a bedroom, and Marvin turns to see Dark has not followed him.
"I…I don't understand."
"Wilford was right. I have a duty of care to these people. And I have become negligent." When he found Marvin, the kid was so scared but spunky, resiliant but removed. Dark knew he needed help and he'd felt the urge to protect him, just as he wants to protect all the others. But in seeking to protect Marvin he opened the building up to attack. "I let you in and that put them at risk."
This time it was a stranger, this Anti, but next time it could be Him. He could find them all just because Dark sought a connection, to protect a stranger. No. No he will not allow that.
"I didn't mean for any of this. I swear." Dark looks down as Marvin reaches to clasp at his arm. "I never wanted to hurt you. I've never wanted anyone to get hurt. I swear. I was scared and alone and I can't do alone. Please."
It looks like Marvin has realised what this is, what it is Dark is setting to stop between them, and his fingers hold tightly. Dark frowns as he removes the hold and pushes Marvin away and into the room.
"I need people around me that I can trust."
Marvin looks as though he's been shot at those words, his eyes going wide in shock before settling, the magician's gaze sliding away to the floor as he bows his head.
"Your extension of protection stands but you are exempt from meetings and I hold you personally responsible for any and all of Anti's actions. Your job is to keep him in check. Anyone else comes to harm and you are out. Am I understood?"
It's less of a question and more of a directive. Filled with anger and finality, the color bleeding away as his aura spreads, filling the room with dread. Marvin's green hair barely has an ounce of color in it as he nods his head.
As Dark leaves, he pulls the door closed behind him, taking a moment to breathe before straightening himself, adjusting his tie, holding up his head and striding away. To any one else, it looks like everything is fine.
He's not.