"I don't know how to...."
She paused, tilting her head - eerily like he did a moment prior. She didn't actually mean to mirror him, it's just a coincidence. This time.
"You know it when you see it." And how did she describe it without offending him? Or making him self conscious? "It's a ━
𝓥alerie
“Oh.”
Even his own defenses come down a little bit with that comment.
“Dare I ask what ‘lonely’ looks like?”
It’s not simply solo. One can be alone and not lonely. And they can be lonely in a crowd.
Armand | Parody
"Probably. I mean, a gathering between friends always has room for one more. Three's company when it comes to romance."
His next question makes her smile. An 'innocent' smile, complete with big, wide eyes.
"No. You just... looked lonely, I guess?"
𝓥alerie
“And you would be alright with interrupting if it is not a date?” he asks, tilting his head slightly. “It is . . . difficult to explain. You are welcome to use the chair until my guest arrives.”
Which means the question remains.
“Did you merely approach to destroy my cigarette?”
Armand | Parody
"Hm?"
It's as if that thought hadn't occurred to her. She looks from him to the chair she's sitting in... And then she puts on her best sheepish smile.
"You're expecting someone, aren't you? Is it a date? I'd hate to interrupt a date."
𝓥alerie
“So I would imagine.”
Precursor one she is. But there are always more cigarettes.
“Can I help you with something?”
She simply deposited herself at his table for two, and the other chair . . . well. He is waiting for its occupant.
Armand | Parody
She hums contemplatively, watching as the ash builds on the end of the cigarette. Some of it falls. She looks hypnotized by it.
"I like rituals," she mumbles thoughtfully...
And then she comes to life all at once and puts it out in the ash tray on the table. Was that rude? It was ━
𝓥alerie
He raises a brow.
Then, he folds his hands in his lap as he watches her . . . Engage with the cigarette.
“The ritual is relaxing.”
The chemicals don’t affect him much, but he finds the action relaxing.
“And I don’t have to worry about my lungs.”
Armand | Parody
Reaching over, she plucks the cigarette from between his fingers.
She doesn't take a puff, though. Instead, she coughs - as if proximity to the smoke was painful for her.
"I never understood the appeal of these. Then again, I've never tried it." A shrug. "I hope you don't mind if I join you."
