...I'm sorry, that came out a-- a little harsher than I intended for it to. And it's a silly question, when I think on it, so please don't mind me.
[Pucci relaxes muscles he hadn't even known he'd been tensing and forces the lingering wariness from his face, exhaling slowly to try and resume being Normal. Normal guys doing Normal things like hanging out together over alien cheese and childhood trauma, hell yeah bro.] No matter the reasoning, I'd be glad to help even further. It'd allow me a look at golemancy without imposing on you as a student would his teacher. Just let me know when you want for my assistance, and I'll help however I can.
...Really, though...I don't require a golem to be at my side every waking moment just to reassure me. I'm a grown man, Avicebron; I can self-soothe at my age, I promise. [Another slow breath ending in a quiet chuckle, before he gently pries his hands away to link primly in his lap, as always.] I didn't do this for you to think differently of me, though I know that sort of thing can't very well be controlled consciously.
... of course, I wouldn’t do anything you don’t wish for. And I didn’t meant to imply any weakness or deficiency on your part.
[ His tone of voice is as level and calm as ever, but that sure was a pause before he answered. Avicebron pulls his hands back and looks away across the room. ]
Unlike you, I’m weak. I’m hardly as capable or as wise as you seem to think of me. So your presence has granted me great peace of mind. I’m grateful for it, and wished to repay that favor in some fashion, if only for a moment. It was a selfish desire, so if you’ve no need of it, I won’t impose, of course.
[ His gaze had slowly drifted downwards into his hands as he spoke, metal parts clicking softly as he flexed his fingers, but as he finishes, he looks up, then rises to his feet. Avicebron doesn’t quite meet Pucci’s gaze as he gives a small nod. ]
In any case, you seem to be feeling better, so I’ll be taking my leave. You should still rest after having spent so much energy. Thank you for your hospitality.
[What, Pucci? What the fuck are you going to say? Prime numbers under his breath for at least a few seconds, apparently, and then words.] ...I'm sorry that I've been poor company tonight. That I've treated you with anything less than the composure and dignity I'd like for you to associate with me. And I'm sorry that I've been a worse friend, when you came over at such short notice and wanted nothing more than to help me.
[But the damage is done now, isn't it? So he simply follows suit, dusting off his robes and smiling more out of habit than genuine feeling.] I hope that, at least, this can be my cue to try to get to know you better. And...perhaps prompt you into doing the same for me, if you think that I'm at all strong. But that's enough self-flagellation for the pair of us for the evening, indeed! Here, let me at least walk you to the door.
['Walk him to'? More like 'swan over to the door without waiting and hold it open like there aren't cracks in whatever defence mechanism he's got up right now', but that's just how it is.] And I really can't thank you enough for humouring me tonight. If nothing else, I hope that you'll accept my feelings on that matter.
no subject
[Pucci relaxes muscles he hadn't even known he'd been tensing and forces the lingering wariness from his face, exhaling slowly to try and resume being Normal. Normal guys doing Normal things like hanging out together over alien cheese and childhood trauma, hell yeah bro.] No matter the reasoning, I'd be glad to help even further. It'd allow me a look at golemancy without imposing on you as a student would his teacher. Just let me know when you want for my assistance, and I'll help however I can.
...Really, though...I don't require a golem to be at my side every waking moment just to reassure me. I'm a grown man, Avicebron; I can self-soothe at my age, I promise. [Another slow breath ending in a quiet chuckle, before he gently pries his hands away to link primly in his lap, as always.] I didn't do this for you to think differently of me, though I know that sort of thing can't very well be controlled consciously.
no subject
[ His tone of voice is as level and calm as ever, but that sure was a pause before he answered. Avicebron pulls his hands back and looks away across the room. ]
Unlike you, I’m weak. I’m hardly as capable or as wise as you seem to think of me. So your presence has granted me great peace of mind. I’m grateful for it, and wished to repay that favor in some fashion, if only for a moment. It was a selfish desire, so if you’ve no need of it, I won’t impose, of course.
[ His gaze had slowly drifted downwards into his hands as he spoke, metal parts clicking softly as he flexed his fingers, but as he finishes, he looks up, then rises to his feet. Avicebron doesn’t quite meet Pucci’s gaze as he gives a small nod. ]
In any case, you seem to be feeling better, so I’ll be taking my leave. You should still rest after having spent so much energy. Thank you for your hospitality.
no subject
[What, Pucci? What the fuck are you going to say? Prime numbers under his breath for at least a few seconds, apparently, and then words.] ...I'm sorry that I've been poor company tonight. That I've treated you with anything less than the composure and dignity I'd like for you to associate with me. And I'm sorry that I've been a worse friend, when you came over at such short notice and wanted nothing more than to help me.
[But the damage is done now, isn't it? So he simply follows suit, dusting off his robes and smiling more out of habit than genuine feeling.] I hope that, at least, this can be my cue to try to get to know you better. And...perhaps prompt you into doing the same for me, if you think that I'm at all strong. But that's enough self-flagellation for the pair of us for the evening, indeed! Here, let me at least walk you to the door.
['Walk him to'? More like 'swan over to the door without waiting and hold it open like there aren't cracks in whatever defence mechanism he's got up right now', but that's just how it is.] And I really can't thank you enough for humouring me tonight. If nothing else, I hope that you'll accept my feelings on that matter.