Here Comes the Anxiety [Mistel/Dolce]
[He chuckles pleasantly, enjoying her dismissal just as much as he enjoyed her fluster. Each “no” he earns is like a shiny new trophy.] The “public” part is the most important part, you know. A pet name is like a marker. It’s a warning to anyone who might make a move on you. [Nods.] Crucially important.
[His fingers twitch as she continues - because in all honesty, there’s nothing he wants more than to embrace her, to plant kisses all over her face as she stumbles over the word “honey”. It’s beyond enamoring– it’s downright adorable. He sighs, bracing an elbow on his desk, resting a cheek on his palm, and stares at her glossily for a moment, allowing himself a moment to daydream about how much he’d prefer to ditch this “taking things slow” seatbelt he’s stupidly buckled himself into.]
[Ever conscious of the game he’s playing, however, he turns this sigh and gesture into a put-upon thing, rather than the heartsick hum that it is.] Ah, well. I suppose that will have to do. You might combine them for added effectiveness, you know. “Honey-wumkin sweetie-pie” works just as well, if not better. Now– [He moves on quickly before he’s no longer able to hold on to a straight face, holding up two fingers abruptly.]
Shall I continue with rule number two?
A “marker”? A “warning”? That sounds dire. [And it does. Aren’t pet names supposed to be for fun? She had never fathomed them having utility beyond sounding cute before...] I mean, I get what you’re saying, but that’s an...odd way to put it. [Scratches the tip of her nose.] What if someone were not to heed your warning? What then? [Narrowing her eyes.] ...Would you attack them?
[She glances to the long forgotten slice of cake and winces at the sound of “honey-wumkin sweetie-pie.” Honestly.] ...Honestly...? [Grumbling:] Are you for real right now...? There is no way you’ll ever get me to say those words.
[Looking at his fingers, she reluctantly nods. Apprehension swells in her gut.] Fine. What is it? Hit me with it. [She sits back in her chair.] A-And make it a little more fair this time...!















