[ Whatever incorrect assumptions are behind them, defensive is a good call: Kieren's hands catch Simon halfway through a forward step, with his hands in fists at his side. This isn't the Legion. There's no one standing ready to shoot him in the head if he doesn't let off.
But they do catch him, Kieren's hands. He stops. At first he only looks delayed—attention and energy still aimed forward, like a dog barely restrained by the command to stay—but it bleeds out of him when Kieren talks. He glances sideways to check if Kieren looks as fine as he says, and his shoulders ease back and his feet settle flat. Still tense, still furious, but static, for now.
A misunderstanding. ]
Was it?
[ It's flat and cynical, same as the look he scrapes over the man, head to toe and back up to meet his eyes. ]
no subject
But they do catch him, Kieren's hands. He stops. At first he only looks delayed—attention and energy still aimed forward, like a dog barely restrained by the command to stay—but it bleeds out of him when Kieren talks. He glances sideways to check if Kieren looks as fine as he says, and his shoulders ease back and his feet settle flat. Still tense, still furious, but static, for now.
A misunderstanding. ]
Was it?
[ It's flat and cynical, same as the look he scrapes over the man, head to toe and back up to meet his eyes. ]