[He could tell the truth. Easily, actually; it no longer rankles him to be honest when there's nothing to gain, although he always considers gain even now. He could definitely tell the truth. He could say he's graduated, like he will say to Ned, and weather the storm.]
[Or he could lie. Could come up with some quip and spend the moments that he last sees Dean here grinning, thrilled with his own cunning. Could slip away at the last moment, unbeknownst to anyone. No way to know for sure until Snow makes the announcement that the marquis is sure to come.]
[Dean's smile slips. The marquis finds himself unwilling to lie in this moment, or to tell the truth.]
[He is calm, unsmiling; he stares at Dean, and puts the book back on the shelf.]
[ Spam ]
[He could tell the truth. Easily, actually; it no longer rankles him to be honest when there's nothing to gain, although he always considers gain even now. He could definitely tell the truth. He could say he's graduated, like he will say to Ned, and weather the storm.]
[Or he could lie. Could come up with some quip and spend the moments that he last sees Dean here grinning, thrilled with his own cunning. Could slip away at the last moment, unbeknownst to anyone. No way to know for sure until Snow makes the announcement that the marquis is sure to come.]
[Dean's smile slips. The marquis finds himself unwilling to lie in this moment, or to tell the truth.]
[He is calm, unsmiling; he stares at Dean, and puts the book back on the shelf.]
[Not a word.]