[ Hei can't help the peremptory way he addresses her; it's not deliberate, simply a byproduct of decades in combat, snatching at control and learning to wield its nuances against enemies. (Maybe if she were older, more perceptive, she'd recognize his manner as that of a young man who'd always had to assert himself, to seem scarier than he was. Black Reaper -- that was the appellation he'd earned, and what he'd had to style himself as, for Pai's benefit. He'd learnt to wear the mask until it fit better than his own skin ever could.) ]
[ But no, he doesn't want her gone. Not really. It's true, he plans to introduce a difficult conversation. One he'd rather avoid. But tonight is a night for disasters and difficulties anyway. What's another one to go with the pile? Her eyes are so bright they almost sear, and he averts his gaze for a moment. His hands flex in his pockets; he chews the inside of his cheek, mapping his next step. ]
[ Finally, ]
Will you walk with me? [ It's quiet and unpressing, but stops just short of arrogant indifference. Because he does care if she refuses, but it's not his place to force her. ]
no subject
[ But no, he doesn't want her gone. Not really. It's true, he plans to introduce a difficult conversation. One he'd rather avoid. But tonight is a night for disasters and difficulties anyway. What's another one to go with the pile? Her eyes are so bright they almost sear, and he averts his gaze for a moment. His hands flex in his pockets; he chews the inside of his cheek, mapping his next step. ]
[ Finally, ]
Will you walk with me? [ It's quiet and unpressing, but stops just short of arrogant indifference. Because he does care if she refuses, but it's not his place to force her. ]