Page 46 of Puck Your Feelings

"I didn't want to be honest about it publicly," Kane says through gritted teeth.

"I understand that. And I'm not saying this isn't a violation. It is." Cap's voice is gentle but firm. "But now that it's out there, you have a choice. You can let other people control the narrative, or you can address it on your terms."

"Or I can ignore it and hope it goes away."

"Has ignoring your father ever made him go away?"

Kane's jaw works, but he doesn't answer.

Cap turns back to me. "Becker, you need to make this right. You've got a platform—use it. Take responsibility, apologize publicly, and help Kane tell his side of the story if he wants to."

"And if I don't want to?" Kane asks.

"Then you don't. But think about it." Cap stands, clearly done with this conversation. "You've spent your whole career trying to live up to the Marcus name. Maybe this is your chance to set your own expectations instead."

He heads for the door, then pauses. "You two are roommates for two more weeks. You're defensive partners. You don't have to be friends, but you do have to figure out how to exist in the same space without destroying each other. Work it out."

The door closes behind him with a quiet click.

I count to ten in my head, then risk a glance at Kane.

He's staring at his hands, his expression unreadable.

"Kane—"

"Don't." He stands abruptly. "Just... don't."

"I need you to know I didn't do this on purpose. I would never intentionally—"

"I know." He finally looks at me, and the exhaustion in his eyes makes my chest hurt. "But that doesn't make it okay."

"Then let me help fix it. We can do an episode together, address it head-on—"

"No."

"Kane—"

"I said no, Becker." He moves toward the door. "I need time to figure out what the fuck I'm going to say to my father when he inevitably shows up here to destroy my life in person."

He leaves before I can respond.

I sit there alone in Cap's cabin, surrounded by furniture that's too nice for the absolute disaster my life has become, and try to figure out how I managed to fuck everything up so spectacularly in less than a week.

My phone buzzes.

Wall:You alive?

Becker:Barely.

Wall:Kane?

Becker:Alive. Hates me. Understandably.

Wall:What did Cap say?

Becker:Fix it. Use my platform. Make it right.

Wall:Can you?