[It's those two words that make him remember himself, which he seems to find harder and harder to do these days. He's aware again of the hand still holding onto Leona's arm, and just as he says — he slips. He lets it fall away, makes himself turn away again, eyebrows furrowing together in some vague and misplaced irritation.
Which time, he almost wants to ask. It's been happening far too often for his liking as of late. But Leona has already seen more than enough of it; he doesn't need to know just how far off the deep end HiMERU has gone in these past few months. No one is entitled to know the extent of his shame in that way, and if he continues to have his way, no one ever will (as far as he's aware, that is...).]
I don't know what you're talking about.
[Stubborn disinterest, affected ignorance. Hot and cold, hot and cold. He's already surrendered enough to give up the third-person charade in this space. Any more than that is more generosity than Leona deserves... or so he'll tell himself.]
... Don't look so pleased with yourself. It didn't have to be you.
[It could've been anyone. Really, it could have. This was all just... the most convenient, for everyone involved.]
no subject
Which time, he almost wants to ask. It's been happening far too often for his liking as of late. But Leona has already seen more than enough of it; he doesn't need to know just how far off the deep end HiMERU has gone in these past few months. No one is entitled to know the extent of his shame in that way, and if he continues to have his way, no one ever will (as far as he's aware, that is...).]
I don't know what you're talking about.
[Stubborn disinterest, affected ignorance. Hot and cold, hot and cold. He's already surrendered enough to give up the third-person charade in this space. Any more than that is more generosity than Leona deserves... or so he'll tell himself.]
... Don't look so pleased with yourself. It didn't have to be you.
[It could've been anyone. Really, it could have. This was all just... the most convenient, for everyone involved.]