oh , and there it is ; the place where danger lives . he shouldn't linger , every time he stops , and he gives himself enough time to look at her - really look at her , he bristles , and the glossy shimmer of his eyes seems to glisten with unspoken desire - desire , but not just that , because that alone he could manage . it's fondness too . affection . gooey , warm affection , dripping all over him , softening his expression , his eyes , his smile , touching every intimate corner , especially the ones he doesn't like to show the world . hand to his heart , he's trying his hardest to hold back a smile , the genuine kind , the kind he's forgotten his atrophied muscles were able to twist into - so utterly charmed by her wit , even when her tongue bites . " ... ouch . " said with the feigned hurt of someone who believes they truly , honestly , deserve it . " are you sure ... ? " dumb , so , so dumb ; he looks positively stupid , briefly surveying the surroundings through his peripherals before he's crouching down , playful , looking up at her from his favorite angle . " i think we should test that theory . " his grecian nose is tipped backwards , mischief twinkling in the soft blue of his eyes . sometimes he thinks he's growing fond of being lectured , scolded , squished like a plushie between her fingertips . " that's not a reliable source - my teacher was a big fan , " of course they were . he rested his chin over the bump of her knee , looking all tame and tempting , the picture of spoiled youth . " ... you could forbid me ... from seeing other people , i mean ... for my own good . " there's a glimpse of expectation in him , almost as if he expected her to care , to give him a reason not to . did she ? did she care ?