[ although it is brief, nearly chaste, she can sense he's holding himself back as much as she is. perhaps to reacquaint himself with this much touch. or perhaps just exercising control over himself, as he usually does. or maybe feeling the unspoken question hanging between them. they had parted on friendly enough terms, certainly. and greeted each other in such an affectionate way, also true. but, each reunion felt as though they were always wondering what am i, to you?

for now, she puts the familiar question–with its equally familiar memory, of Viago staring down at her with intensity and longing lacing all the hushed syllables of only if i'm a footnote–at the back of her mind. there would be time later, to sort such things out. ]

Such a gentleman. I gladly accept your offer.

[ she smiles, swaying just slightly after his light touch. and then she stops herself from rolling her eyes, settling for giving him a playful swat on the shoulder at his teasing barb. ]

As I've said: it takes time and effort to look this good. Besides, consider my magnanimity in giving you all that time to reorder your poison case and stretch those ridiculously long legs of yours.

[ long legs she cannot wait to see out of their current leather clad casing. that is for later. for now, she must think of what to wear. there are so many options to ring in a more acceptable greeting. ]