[ there's a part of marcus that only wanted to ask billy that question for the reaffirmation of something he already knew - that billy wouldn't kill him, less out of respect for him and their relationship, but because billy isn't the kind of kid that can survive the sharp, ever-chewing teeth of king's dominion. killing just isn't in his blood the way it's in marcus's. the fact that billy just scoffs at the question and chooses not to elaborate doesn't do anything to make him feel better - it just makes him feel stupid for asking.

when billy poses the same question back to him, marcus is less offended by the curiosity and more by the idea that stiles is anything like him. he frowns, shaking his head, finally taking his arm off of billy's chest to sit upright, crossing his legs to search out a fresh bottle of beer. stiles is a good kid, someone who already means something to marcus - but he's this unattainable image of a person who's adjusted to life here and lives day to day without showing off his vulnerability the way marcus can't seem to get away from. stiles shares his music just for the sake of sharing his music, not because he wants, on some level, to impress the person he's sharing with. being a good kid doesn't put him on billy's level. ]

I wouldn't kill you. I couldn't. No matter what Lin would do to me if I said no.

[ marcus tries to twist open the bottlecap with his hand, but it's particularly stubborn, this time, so he has to pry it open using the edge of the platform they're sitting on. takes a few attempts, and the edge gets dented and the glass threatens to break, but marcus gets it open before long, only following up what he wants to say after he's taken a swig to get the courage. honesty and bravery have always gone hand in hand for him. it's harder to be honest than it is to take a life. ]

I love you, dude. Does that weird you out? Better fucking not, after Vegas.