"Always a plus," he says, because he has to say something at this point. His arm rests lightly against her, as though he might need to snatch it back at any time - and even so, he can feel the way she grows more guarded. Her very muscles seem to tense, ready to protect her from...
...And that's the question, isn't it? From his wrath - unlikely, not least because he has no business complaining that she's moved on after close to a year here. From questions she doesn't want to answer or feelings she's not ready to describe - far more possible.
His assumption is that Sweeney is the more serious of these affairs, that she has more to lose with him and thus less desire to share details. There could be love there, for all that she's said that Rubilykekoye doesn't offer much opportunity for it. There could be promises more serious than We'll acknowledge each other publicly. She has a friend here who's married -
Belatedly, he realizes there's a new tension running through him as well. Taking a breath doesn't really clear it, but he can make his jaw move and form the sorts of polite words you're supposed to say in these situations.
"I'm...happy for you." And doesn't he just sound it. Clearing his throat, he tries again. "He sounds like quite the gentleman. Anyone who tries to make you smile...they deserve your affection, I'm sure."
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...And that's the question, isn't it? From his wrath - unlikely, not least because he has no business complaining that she's moved on after close to a year here. From questions she doesn't want to answer or feelings she's not ready to describe - far more possible.
His assumption is that Sweeney is the more serious of these affairs, that she has more to lose with him and thus less desire to share details. There could be love there, for all that she's said that Rubilykekoye doesn't offer much opportunity for it. There could be promises more serious than We'll acknowledge each other publicly. She has a friend here who's married -
Belatedly, he realizes there's a new tension running through him as well. Taking a breath doesn't really clear it, but he can make his jaw move and form the sorts of polite words you're supposed to say in these situations.
"I'm...happy for you." And doesn't he just sound it. Clearing his throat, he tries again. "He sounds like quite the gentleman. Anyone who tries to make you smile...they deserve your affection, I'm sure."