Dumbass. [Max's hand lightly smacks at the back of his head, as if he can hear those unspoken words. He moves to even urge Ash to pull his legs up, really curl up like a damned brat despite the two of them being almost the same height.] If you're dumb enough to settle for me, I'll be dumb enough to make you watch me fuck it up and not be enough, over and over and over again.

And I'm gonna get them back, too. Me 'n Peter. And some other rags if they're useful, but that guy, his readers, we'll find other people, enough evidence it ain't all on you. We'll keep the victims safe. And use your money and my fame and shit, we'll pull in your other boyfriend if we got a use for him.

It won't get undone, but it won't end like this, either. I'm the author here. I'm not the best writer who'll definitely get you to a happy end, but...