[ He hadn't realized either, but here he is. That Julieta stands down the path, then nearing, feels less of an intrusion than any other. It is nearly right, that she should be here, that she should meet him. Tension bleed from his jaw, if not much, and he glances at Ein, expression softening. Fond, if unable to manage the smile.
Blind to her concern. ]
Ein, Julieta. Or...
[ To them it would matter, and Ein, as if on cue, jumps up from his seat, standing stiff with propriety, announcing himself. His eyes no longer glow red, but are sober and dark in his stern face. Second Lieutenant Dalton. Thank you for looking after Specialist Major Bauduin! ]
Geez, Ein. [ A twitch, more a tremble of his lower lip. ] You know you don't have to say that sort of thing.
[ Still seated, Carta crosses her legs, huffing with exasperation. Only you ignore something so important. I've never decided whether you were rude or simply senseless.
What would once have grated, sparking protest, then argument, earns now only a furrow above his brow. Quiet devastation in the ill-fitting shape of what is now a smile. ]
Thanks, Carta.
[ He's missed this.
But flushing with the surprise of gratitude rather than irritation, Carta looks away, chin high and lip jutting. Commander Issue, the muttered correction, and she begins to fade. I won't get involved in this. Waving a regal, dismissive hand at Ein and Julieta.
no subject
[ He hadn't realized either, but here he is. That Julieta stands down the path, then nearing, feels less of an intrusion than any other. It is nearly right, that she should be here, that she should meet him. Tension bleed from his jaw, if not much, and he glances at Ein, expression softening. Fond, if unable to manage the smile.
Blind to her concern. ]
Ein, Julieta. Or...
[ To them it would matter, and Ein, as if on cue, jumps up from his seat, standing stiff with propriety, announcing himself. His eyes no longer glow red, but are sober and dark in his stern face. Second Lieutenant Dalton. Thank you for looking after Specialist Major Bauduin! ]
Geez, Ein. [ A twitch, more a tremble of his lower lip. ] You know you don't have to say that sort of thing.
[ Still seated, Carta crosses her legs, huffing with exasperation. Only you ignore something so important. I've never decided whether you were rude or simply senseless.
What would once have grated, sparking protest, then argument, earns now only a furrow above his brow. Quiet devastation in the ill-fitting shape of what is now a smile. ]
Thanks, Carta.
[ He's missed this.
But flushing with the surprise of gratitude rather than irritation, Carta looks away, chin high and lip jutting. Commander Issue, the muttered correction, and she begins to fade. I won't get involved in this. Waving a regal, dismissive hand at Ein and Julieta.
And she's gone.
Ein does not yet sit. ]