It was something like discomfort that settled in the pit of his stomach as soon as she leaned back. As soon as she folded her arms. She did not need to open her mouth to let him know what she demanded. Part of him had half-expected the question to come, eventually. Part of him had hoped it would not.
He willed himself to retain eye contact. It was a challenge, and he knew a break would reveal what it was he felt. What it was that was coiling. Knotting. To answer her truthfully held the same pros and cons as to answer it with uncertainty. Her anger was palpable. He did not wish to fuel it.
Despite it, he broke eye contact. Let his expression morph into contemplation.
When his words bubbled up, they were careful. Quiet. He would avoid it. For a moment. What did he think? What did he--At the time it had been something bordering on contentment. It was a stability. It had been odd, but it had been welcomed. He hadn't disliked it. He hadn't disliked the closeness. He hadn't disliked knowing the smaller sensations. The brush of hands. Simplicity.
no subject
He willed himself to retain eye contact. It was a challenge, and he knew a break would reveal what it was he felt. What it was that was coiling. Knotting. To answer her truthfully held the same pros and cons as to answer it with uncertainty. Her anger was palpable. He did not wish to fuel it.
Despite it, he broke eye contact. Let his expression morph into contemplation.
When his words bubbled up, they were careful. Quiet. He would avoid it. For a moment. What did he think? What did he--At the time it had been something bordering on contentment. It was a stability. It had been odd, but it had been welcomed. He hadn't disliked it. He hadn't disliked the closeness. He hadn't disliked knowing the smaller sensations. The brush of hands. Simplicity.
"I suppose that is mutual, then."