[On the contrary, the marquis is not hoping Dean understands. He knows that he does. He does, or the smile would have reached his eyes - he would not look so desperately afraid. Would not be lying so blatantly.]
[And yet the marquis cannot manage to be angry with him. Not even annoyed. There is a certain hollow feeling that gives him an unexpected lightness - sorrow, he will discover later, when he comes solidly, heavily back to earth - but no frustration.]
[This has already happened. Only a matter now of admitting it's happened.]
[His mouth tugs up at the corners in a smile. Fond. Unexpected. Unplanned. Unpredatory.]
[ Spam ]
[And yet the marquis cannot manage to be angry with him. Not even annoyed. There is a certain hollow feeling that gives him an unexpected lightness - sorrow, he will discover later, when he comes solidly, heavily back to earth - but no frustration.]
[This has already happened. Only a matter now of admitting it's happened.]
[His mouth tugs up at the corners in a smile. Fond. Unexpected. Unplanned. Unpredatory.]
Idiot.