@frkyfab : “An expert in romance as well, are you? I didn’t think you were the type.” Deuce's words to Operetta are playful and light. Could be taken for sarcastic especially with the way his eyes and intent are obscured by think sunglasses. But the slight grin to his face is more sincere then not.
“More of an expert than you are, snake boy.” She’s teasing, though, and it’s obvious; Deuce is a good friend, especially now that Cleo no longer wantes Operette dead in the ground. Besides, they know he’s not stupid enough to REALLY piss ‘em off.
Her scarred cheek rests in her palm as she gestured for him to sit beside her on the bleachers — when he does, she continues. “Honestly, I’ve actually not had a lotta luck with romance myself. My dad’s pretty darn strict about that sorta stuff, and some people get freaked out about my face.” There’ve been dates who thought they could handle it ‘til it came time to get close enough to kiss. She gets it from kids; they don’t know any better than to act confused by the scars. It’s when peers or adults act like she’s frightening that she feels like shrinking — and never does, of course. ( and they know it’s not personal; more of monsterkind has scars than don’t. it’s just — hard for people to reconcile how clearly intentional they are. ) “Not that I ain’t had any would - be - suitors, but nothin’ that’s ever actually come to fruition.”
Their grin widens, though; there’s no real grief to be found. Not here, at least. “Still, romance is just like any other love; what matters most is honesty. As long as y’ keep that in mind and aren’t too chicken to live it out, then that’s all anybody needs t’ be an expert.”