she can be petty and cruel when it comes to her job , and even worse when he keeps her on her fuckin’ toes all the damn time . she HATES it , hates him , for he’s the only one who truly knows how to get under her skin on the second their eyes meet . lips threaten to hold an ever present frown , but she should know better than to give into him . instead she takes a big breath , chest heaving as she does so , before she lets her eyes rest in the deep browns of his . if he wanted a staring contest , he would get it . ‘ you wouldn’t be able to keep up - ’ she drawls out , eventually leaning back ( but still keeping eye contact ) and bringing her glass up to her lips . she’ll take her time finishing it , crosses her legs in front of him , wants him to know that she too , could do all this night . ‘ and you can start writing your speech , on the off chance you do gain victory , by buying me another drink - no ? ’ she’ll wiggle her glass , the ice cubes clinking as she does so , because if he’s going to be a pain in her ass - the least he could do was buy her something to help sleep at night . ‘ they’re right where they’re supposed to be . ’ a little white lie , because he knows that she knows that he knows that she still has yet to catch him in action . god , she doesn’t even know how long this game has been going . ‘ why , you have a slip up waiting for me outside ? ’
she tries to put distance, and it’s where he closes it. first by it being his turn to lean in, only so his arm can reach the leg of her chair, pulling hers slowly towards his. he won’t give her an inch, won’t let her think that she has anywhere to retreat. if he could move it, his gaze would draw to her neck, show that he has her jugular in his sight. one he could so easily have his newfound fangs dig into if she’s not careful. but for now, that’s an ace he keeps in his sleeve. for now, he’s focused into her eyes. ❛ i wouldn’t bet against me. ❜ she warned him to not give her tips, but she’s so painfully in need of help. a calculated risk, he’s aware. bigby scoffs, debates if the hospitable act if worth it. he likes that this is finally going somewhere, and his schedule is still free for an hour. takes her glass and gets on his feet, decides to leave her the stare - off victory as he takes himself on the other side of the counter. he’s not buying, he’s making and taking. ❛ i have nothing for you, miss lai, simply because there is nothing to give. ❜ he’s not stupid, she could well be taped - up. ❛ simply curious about your investigations. they seem to be exhausting you tonight. it’s worrisome. ❜ smirks, hands steady against the countertop after giving her a full glass back.