[ He doesn't realize that she's caught on to anything in his eyes, of course. He would insist he's not sad about anything at all. No, no, he's perfectly fine, he always is. Though, the flicker of it comes again as she attempts to pull her hand away, and he glances down briefly, realizing he should absolutely relinquish his hold on her but he doesn't much want to.
Still—
No. He can't keep her. Ludicrous question and thought. He'd tried that once, he'd certainly failed.
But he keeps hold of her hand, his touch light. She could pull away if she truly wanted to, he wouldn't force her, but he makes no attempt to let go at least for now.
He should have a reasonable response, of course, but he has to fumble his way through it. Immediately his thoughts drift towards his bow tie, tattered and worn. She'd given it to him and he rarely takes it off, but it needs a good cleaning, certainly. He also can't help thinking of a conversation they'd had so long ago now in the desert, about how well she tied his bow tie for him. A faint memory, almost a lifetime ago, but it pulls a brief smile to his lips. ]
This bow tie, you'll know what to do. Made of the finest silk. Needs a good washing, tender care, whatever it is you do. Well, cleaning, of course. Laundress that you are. Your reputation precedes you and I wouldn't trust anyone else with this. It was given to me by someone very important. So I'm trusting you to make sure it comes back in pristine, tip-top condition.
no subject
Still—
No. He can't keep her. Ludicrous question and thought. He'd tried that once, he'd certainly failed.
But he keeps hold of her hand, his touch light. She could pull away if she truly wanted to, he wouldn't force her, but he makes no attempt to let go at least for now.
He should have a reasonable response, of course, but he has to fumble his way through it. Immediately his thoughts drift towards his bow tie, tattered and worn. She'd given it to him and he rarely takes it off, but it needs a good cleaning, certainly. He also can't help thinking of a conversation they'd had so long ago now in the desert, about how well she tied his bow tie for him. A faint memory, almost a lifetime ago, but it pulls a brief smile to his lips. ]
This bow tie, you'll know what to do. Made of the finest silk. Needs a good washing, tender care, whatever it is you do. Well, cleaning, of course. Laundress that you are. Your reputation precedes you and I wouldn't trust anyone else with this. It was given to me by someone very important. So I'm trusting you to make sure it comes back in pristine, tip-top condition.