Silence is the New Riddle

【33】

Jon's P.O.V.

Unable to concentrate on any of my research, I was currently rereading one of the many books written by Sigmund Freud that I had in my collection. Doing this was like going back to kindergarten to relearn the alphabet for someone like me, that is, a psychologist. It calmed me for whatever reason, and going back to the fundamentals was good for review, even if I didn't need it. It wasn't like I was going to go back to my practice anytime soon. I was a wanted criminal now after all.

The only time I actually used it these days was when I was conducting research or bored enough to psychoanalyze those around me. Ten years of school wasted, just so I could go running around wearing a sack over my head and figuring out how screwed up my fellow Rouges where. It was worth it though, worth the freedom and the ability to conduct my research without anyone questioning me too much.

Letting out a sigh, I set The Ego and the Id down on my side table before unfolding my frame and standing up. While reading was a favorite pastime, it did get dull after a while, especially if the only thing you had to read were old college books. Over the years I'd slowly accumulated more books, but not as many as I wished. My shelves were well stocked though.

I gazed around my room unhappily. Three of the four walls were covered with shelves crammed with books, and I knew that if my room was even the slightest bit bigger, I'd be able to fit more. Unfortunately, most of this level was taken up by Edwards room, which doubled up as his main workspace.

'It annoys you, how much space he takes up, doesn't it?' Scarecrow hissed in the back of my mind. 'You can just take some by force; take him too.' Scarecrow chuckled at that.

"I could," I spoke aloud, "but we share the space. Plus, he was here first."

'So?' Scarecrow said. 'We're here now too, and have been for the past five years!'

"Every time I suggest that I move to my own space you shoot me down." I counter.

'Yes,' Scarecrow agreed, "do you realize how incompetent Edward is? He'd be lost, with only his impulse to create puzzles to keep him company. Though now I suppose that girl would be more than willing to comply and take care of him.'

"He does suffer from mild Dependent Personality Disorder," I admit, ignoring my other half's snide remark. "It's not that bad though, he's an Accommodating Dependent. As long as someone is there to order him around and exert dominance over him, he's fine."

'Keep telling yourself that.' Scarecrow said. 'Do you notice him being accommodating to anyone but you? He's subconsciously attached, he just doesn't realize it.'

"Now you're just being redundant."

'My point,' Scarecrow said, sounding frustrated, 'is that you are the one he's submissive to.'

"He's naturally submissive," I argue, "that's who he is."

'I suppose so,' Scarecrow mused, 'but I don't see Selina trying to exert her dominance over him.'

I bared my teeth at the mere thought of that. Edward was mine, even if I hadn't made it official yet.

'You see?' Scarecrow said. 'You've made your claim, now all that you have to do is take it.'

"You make me sound like an animal," I said, clenching my fists.

'Are humans not animals?' Scarecrow replied. 'Take away some of that intelligence and bump up those primal needs and you have an animal. Speaking of intelligence, you look stupid standing there talking to yourself.'