A HISS LIKE HE’S BEEN BURNED, eyes on fire behind the shroud of dark sunglasses ( EMBERS GLOW, CINDER OF IRISES ACHING IN THEIR FLAMES ). the gnash & grit of teeth, jaw edged tightly ––– dagger’s glare serves as a warning, like he’d been caught off guard. something wild rages tonight, different in the way he stays his distance: a cornered animal in full defensive, body riddled with tension instead of sultry ease. expecting the unexpected, expecting the worst for a second time. step carries with the vaguest threat of a limp, purple already beginning to ache where knuckles connected with jaw, red smattering up the side of ripped fishnets. A LOVER’S SPAT, or so the story will go. leather - gloved hands are shaking. ❛❛ oh, shut up, casper. i’ve no interest in your take on my current state. ❜❜ cruel snarl through crimson mouth rife with ice ( BLOOD OR LIPSTICK? ), the adrenaline still making heart race & mind mean. it’s unthinking, the quick lash of tongue without any consideration of company. bloodstream pulses with pain; despite every intention to slink home to lick wounds, to have handyman bandage & scrub stains, that blue glow of zydrate beckons so sweetly. demeanor shifts, guard coming half down in a melt ––– from ferocity to wounded bird in the mere flutter of smudged mascara. the sunglasses stay, but he softens, gaze almost pleading. ❛❛ mmh ––– ❜❜ pained moan flits between lips, black lids flickering. tonight he cannot give as he usually does, methods of payment nearing none. playing for pity, riding on the hope of a favor to be had. but he never takes a step closer: trust is a foolish thing to have in dark corners. ❛❛ i’ve always been good to you, haven’t i, baby? ❜❜