built to last
They protected each other. Not because of love, or loyalty. Maybe it was all they knew how to do. Maybe maintaining the only environment in which they could still live. Maybe reassuring. Maybe holding onto something familiar.
Maybe more out of self-defense.
Tala argued with Strangers and put up a Well-Adjusted Front. As the spokesman he didn't have much of a choice. Thankfully he was born to lie. Raised to appear self-assured. Had the austerity to forbid their concern, and questions.
"Of course we're handling it," Tala seemed too often to say. Then he'd say, "Get out," and they'd go.
Ian made sure they had necessary documents, and many others besides. Like when he burned down the kitchen, and then promptly forged a bit of home-owner's insurance to cover it. He knew very well how to get out of Situations.
"I'll handle it," Ian said when Tala shut the door.
Spencer stood to the back, just in case. He'd stop anything. Hold the planet still, if it spun too fast for Tala. He'd carry the bodies, knocked out or otherwise, no problem.
"No problem," Spencer said as he walked past, trailing Ian.
Leaving Tala with Bryan, who helpfully didn't smile.
a/n: Because of "we were never built to last" by Electric President playing on loop.