[ it's not so much of an actual invitation as much as it is a way to swerve away from the heftiness of their conversation, knowing it's already steered to corners that both of them likely hardly anticipated when she first walked in here. not that he isn't amused by her vocal retort in matching up to the banter's challenge (though considering the recent turn in he and clara's relationship after their seemingly harmless flirtation, he should really start getting careful how he jokes with all these women willing to step up to him).
but when alina approaches him, there's something different in her eyes, a daringness that's tied more to the weight of their previous conversation and he watches her hold that confidence, nothing shaken when she peers up to his towering height and doesn't relent.
so much for warnings. his face nearly sinks when she seems to ignore his empty threats, wondering if she's really as smart as she seems to suggest by her experiences, or if her willingness to take a chance on interpreting what kind of man he is just happens to be naive stupidity she's still clinging to despite what's been etched in her skin.
maybe a bit of both.
he doesn't give her a reply; she could have the last word here for now, even if he hopes her trust doesn't come back to bite her eventually. it usually does when he's involved, even if he isn't eager to carry the hurt; it just has a habit of following him.
watching her leave, he remains still until she's out the door before he finally sighs, hand reaching for the carton to pull out another cigarette. ]
no subject
but when alina approaches him, there's something different in her eyes, a daringness that's tied more to the weight of their previous conversation and he watches her hold that confidence, nothing shaken when she peers up to his towering height and doesn't relent.
so much for warnings. his face nearly sinks when she seems to ignore his empty threats, wondering if she's really as smart as she seems to suggest by her experiences, or if her willingness to take a chance on interpreting what kind of man he is just happens to be naive stupidity she's still clinging to despite what's been etched in her skin.
maybe a bit of both.
he doesn't give her a reply; she could have the last word here for now, even if he hopes her trust doesn't come back to bite her eventually. it usually does when he's involved, even if he isn't eager to carry the hurt; it just has a habit of following him.
watching her leave, he remains still until she's out the door before he finally sighs, hand reaching for the carton to pull out another cigarette. ]