02-28-2021, 02:40 AM
[align=center][div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; width: 310px; text-align: justify; line-height:120%"]Bolstered their numbers once more, his intrusion, once thought late for how the conversation seemed stilled and his remark meant only as a way to fill the space left, felt less so. Slow the turn of vision, though the halt was one paired with a slight widening. Another sight, in manner quite different for it seemed natural, varying hues that seemed genuine rather than chosen adornment. Miniscule the tilt of head, the other studied as he spoke, addressal towards the newcomer among them.
Them.
The thought settled naturally, arose without protest and passed in such, his confusion over the occurrence evident in the sudden lurch of his body, rigid grown each muscle for a brief moment. Back he turned, awaited a response to his offer, unsure now as time stretched on. Of course for only so long may it be allowed to stand, prior comments an unknown simply viewed as routine the introduction Michael offered. The next that which caused pause, his eyes a weight upon him, expected for always preferred the backdrop to the spotlight, contrary to the rather decked out bobcat. Almost pleasant was it this time, however, enjoyed in a way unexpected, his own shifting to meet the dual hued blues.
They're like the ocean. A quiet comment of appreciation arose to his lips, short the time Harland had been among these people and yet all had been welcoming in their own ways, the comment soothing prior nerves he may have overstepped with the offer. All would have been fine had he stopped there, but, of course, that simply would be too easy. It took a bit of time for his words to settle in, further to register the full context, his jaw tightening, eyes averted as he turned them over.
Indeed the implication was the remark was made to be flirtatious, but only a short time prior he has lost his husband, something Harland had only learnt of after the fact even though he was present for the aftermath. To think of such in that light felt wrong, may reflect rather poorly upon him should his response be in kind. Yet how else might he take it, the remark did not come across as banter between acquaintances. It was rather difficult to wave off his own thoughts, the other a sight that caught his eye many times during simple walks to acclimate himself, always it chalked up to the adornment Michael wore.
His tail picked up a quick tempoed flick as he realised too much time had passed without response, words simply beyond him in that moment, however. It almost felt his heart had lodged within his throaty, sat there with the intent to choke any remark he tried to make. All the same he tried, poor the results, as was expected. His mouth opened and out came only a poor murmur, more sound than word, drawn out as teeth closed and he swallowed heavily. Finally retreat was chosen, too much going on in his mind, thoughts bouncing back and forth as he hurried into the dense vegetation of the jungle. Short the distance before he would stop, enough Hermes may locate him is he so desired the tour still, for now he merely pressed his forehead against a tree and allowed his regret to eat him.
He should have said something, anything, caution and audience be damned. But, as always, Harland was a coward and chose the easy way out.
Them.
The thought settled naturally, arose without protest and passed in such, his confusion over the occurrence evident in the sudden lurch of his body, rigid grown each muscle for a brief moment. Back he turned, awaited a response to his offer, unsure now as time stretched on. Of course for only so long may it be allowed to stand, prior comments an unknown simply viewed as routine the introduction Michael offered. The next that which caused pause, his eyes a weight upon him, expected for always preferred the backdrop to the spotlight, contrary to the rather decked out bobcat. Almost pleasant was it this time, however, enjoyed in a way unexpected, his own shifting to meet the dual hued blues.
They're like the ocean. A quiet comment of appreciation arose to his lips, short the time Harland had been among these people and yet all had been welcoming in their own ways, the comment soothing prior nerves he may have overstepped with the offer. All would have been fine had he stopped there, but, of course, that simply would be too easy. It took a bit of time for his words to settle in, further to register the full context, his jaw tightening, eyes averted as he turned them over.
Indeed the implication was the remark was made to be flirtatious, but only a short time prior he has lost his husband, something Harland had only learnt of after the fact even though he was present for the aftermath. To think of such in that light felt wrong, may reflect rather poorly upon him should his response be in kind. Yet how else might he take it, the remark did not come across as banter between acquaintances. It was rather difficult to wave off his own thoughts, the other a sight that caught his eye many times during simple walks to acclimate himself, always it chalked up to the adornment Michael wore.
His tail picked up a quick tempoed flick as he realised too much time had passed without response, words simply beyond him in that moment, however. It almost felt his heart had lodged within his throaty, sat there with the intent to choke any remark he tried to make. All the same he tried, poor the results, as was expected. His mouth opened and out came only a poor murmur, more sound than word, drawn out as teeth closed and he swallowed heavily. Finally retreat was chosen, too much going on in his mind, thoughts bouncing back and forth as he hurried into the dense vegetation of the jungle. Short the distance before he would stop, enough Hermes may locate him is he so desired the tour still, for now he merely pressed his forehead against a tree and allowed his regret to eat him.
He should have said something, anything, caution and audience be damned. But, as always, Harland was a coward and chose the easy way out.