[ Spoken fondly, because that same stubbornness is what’s led them this far. Maybe he doesn’t deserve this, but he can't bring himself to begrudge it either.
He lifts up an arm to wind around her shoulders, finally returning some small portion of the embrace. It’s… a little awkward, for reasons that have less to do with the situation and everything to do with their choice of location. Turns out swings aren't the ideal location for emotional revelations and snuggles. It doesn't stop him from pulling her a shade closer, tightening the hold before starting to shift away. ]
Anyway, I wasn't trying to chase you away. [ Mostly. ] I just... I don't want you to avoid asking questions. If we're going to be friends or—[ This is so not the time for that conversation. ]—Or anything else, I want us to be honest. Even when it's ugly.
[ He's learned the consequences of building a relationship out of convenient lies. It's not pretty. This particular level of baggage is probably left for a fifth (or fiftieth?) date in most cases, but it's not like anything about them has ever been typical. ]
no subject
[ Spoken fondly, because that same stubbornness is what’s led them this far. Maybe he doesn’t deserve this, but he can't bring himself to begrudge it either.
He lifts up an arm to wind around her shoulders, finally returning some small portion of the embrace. It’s… a little awkward, for reasons that have less to do with the situation and everything to do with their choice of location. Turns out swings aren't the ideal location for emotional revelations and snuggles. It doesn't stop him from pulling her a shade closer, tightening the hold before starting to shift away. ]
Anyway, I wasn't trying to chase you away. [ Mostly. ] I just... I don't want you to avoid asking questions. If we're going to be friends or—[ This is so not the time for that conversation. ]—Or anything else, I want us to be honest. Even when it's ugly.
[ He's learned the consequences of building a relationship out of convenient lies. It's not pretty. This particular level of baggage is probably left for a fifth (or fiftieth?) date in most cases, but it's not like anything about them has ever been typical. ]