a half-scoff, half-hah breaks through the part in her lips, tongue pressing against the back of her teeth. tess doesn't believe for a single solitary second that whether or not she cares really matters. the way she's looking at saren suggests as much too; chaotic amusement creasing by her eyes. ❝ you really give a shit if i mind or not? ❞ if the roles were reversed, tess wouldn't care —— thinks she might respect her even more if the word no aired and she lit the damn thing up anyway. (yeah, that's what i'd fucking do) crack open a pack and choke on the smoke just to prove a point.
she isn't the one with the power here though. at least not any kind of power that makes up for anything in these walls. it's what makes tess slide into one of the chairs, kick a leg up and only press it against her other knee instead of right across the table top. this was a mutually beneficial transaction. she's gotta show some respect. ❝ you went outta your way to set up this meeting. now you're askin' me crap like this— must be real good. ❞ tries to remove the breathe of anticipation from her words. never letting anyone see you sweat is one thing, but you can't let 'em know they've got you too roped in either. it's a fine line. let your toes hang over too much and you're a goner. oh, she's always been a sucker for toying it.
¹ @suhspiria (saren) / ² still born. ... do you mind if i smoke?