[She's either not catching the hint, or the idea hasn't occurred to her... neither of which are the greatest outcome... Normally he might have the confidence to be more forward about the request, but the circumstances have him feeling rather fragile.
He continues to not look at her, instead opting to stare at their hands—to which he adds another of his own.]
[ She blinks for a moment, staring at his hand as it comes to clasp over hers. It takes a moment to register why that is relevant - and not a failure on her part. She just... tends to be rather obtuse when it comes to things like that. It's not the first thing her mind jumps to, especially when she's already focusing on someone else and what they need. She's not exactly accustomed to that coming back around to her, and it feels a little self-centered to assume that it would.
But when his words do sink in, she glances up to meet his gaze with a startled look, one that melts into a warm - if rueful - smile a moment later. ]
I do, yes. Another witch and a dragon. But I still have room for one more...?
[The small amount of hope and relief he feels when their eyes finally meet again and he sees that realization doesn't quite show through his expression, unfortunately. It takes a moment for him to continue, opening his mouth for a few seconds before he does actually speak:]
If—
[He cuts himself off, unable to offer the possibility of refusal even though his (polite, human) instinct is to keep asking and making sure.
This time, he simply accepts the offer. Maybe it's a step towards accepting what help he needs, or maybe it's just a coping mechanism he'll abandon later. He lets out a breath.]
[ She studies his expression for a moment - even though it gives away very little of what he's thinking. But then her smile brightens, genuine and warm, and she squeezes his hand. ]
It would be. I'd be honored to have you as my Bonded, Ferran. There are few here I trust more.
[He doesn't know if he's earned that trust, but he certainly hopes he can. He takes in a slow breath, one of his many worries alleviated, but his voice is still a little strained when he finally replies.]
Thanks...
[Hopefully soon he'll have the nerve to express the same sentiment back to her with more than a single word.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-06-23 06:10 am (UTC)[She's either not catching the hint, or the idea hasn't occurred to her... neither of which are the greatest outcome... Normally he might have the confidence to be more forward about the request, but the circumstances have him feeling rather fragile.
He continues to not look at her, instead opting to stare at their hands—to which he adds another of his own.]
You... have two, right?
no subject
Date: 2021-06-23 08:41 pm (UTC)But when his words do sink in, she glances up to meet his gaze with a startled look, one that melts into a warm - if rueful - smile a moment later. ]
I do, yes. Another witch and a dragon. But I still have room for one more...?
[ ...if that's why he was asking? ]
no subject
Date: 2021-06-24 07:55 am (UTC)If—
[He cuts himself off, unable to offer the possibility of refusal even though his (polite, human) instinct is to keep asking and making sure.
This time, he simply accepts the offer. Maybe it's a step towards accepting what help he needs, or maybe it's just a coping mechanism he'll abandon later. He lets out a breath.]
... that would be nice.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-24 01:52 pm (UTC)It would be. I'd be honored to have you as my Bonded, Ferran. There are few here I trust more.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-29 08:45 pm (UTC)Thanks...
[Hopefully soon he'll have the nerve to express the same sentiment back to her with more than a single word.]