[ He nearly misses that little frown. Nearly. The chipmunk cheeks get a half-smile, though. He isn't sure which is worse, that he's grown used to her moods and manners, or that he's so wrapped up in his own shit he can't give her anything more than a few table-scraps of attention. It's awkward and terrible, being in this pas de deux she's putting so much energy in, and he not quite enough. ]
[ They've danced before. They've had their dance. It's finished now. ]
[ He watches her make eyes at him. Watches her smile that too-bright smile. There's a jolt of irritation. He's not a trained bear to lead on a string. He showed up. He chitchatted. Now he's ready to go. But that pout, irrepressibly, makes him think of Pai. Her Killing Pout. She's so -- not beautiful yet; he knows what makes a woman beautiful, and at her age, there's too much prickliness and sulking, not enough polish -- but she is so damn pretty. Glowing and alive and enjoying everything Pai never could. ]
[ Suddenly, something in him, that's been cold and hard up until now, lets go. His voice descends into a tired sigh. ] Fine. [ One dance. Just one. Then he has to go. ]
no subject
[ They've danced before. They've had their dance. It's finished now. ]
[ He watches her make eyes at him. Watches her smile that too-bright smile. There's a jolt of irritation. He's not a trained bear to lead on a string. He showed up. He chitchatted. Now he's ready to go. But that pout, irrepressibly, makes him think of Pai. Her Killing Pout. She's so -- not beautiful yet; he knows what makes a woman beautiful, and at her age, there's too much prickliness and sulking, not enough polish -- but she is so damn pretty. Glowing and alive and enjoying everything Pai never could. ]
[ Suddenly, something in him, that's been cold and hard up until now, lets go. His voice descends into a tired sigh. ] Fine. [ One dance. Just one. Then he has to go. ]