[ There's a pause, before he perches on the stool beside her. Back curved, shoulders drawn in -- 'Li's body-language, even if the music's loud enough to disguise the difference in tone. Her reply is greeted with an eyebrow that could range from anything to dry surprise to drier amusement to That simple, huh? At the back of his mind, there's a flare of disquiet. Her being comfortable enough to invite him would be fine if she were a mark. A sign of growing complacency. A step closer to a goal. ]
[ Instead he's bothered. Three laconic and ill-considered flings don't make them friends. He's attacked her before. She's a liability to his identity. Yet here she is, all lit-up and smiling at him. He's not sure what to make of it (Yes, he is. But the implications that she considers him important make him equal parts angry -- with her and with himself. Idiot. You've let this get out of hand.) ]
no subject
[ Instead he's bothered. Three laconic and ill-considered flings don't make them friends. He's attacked her before. She's a liability to his identity. Yet here she is, all lit-up and smiling at him. He's not sure what to make of it (Yes, he is. But the implications that she considers him important make him equal parts angry -- with her and with himself. Idiot. You've let this get out of hand.) ]
[ Changing tacks, he says, mildly, ]
I didn't realize you'd be celebrating something.