when you bury your pain
With the scone finished, Finn relaxes a touch in his seat, his fingers wrapping around the warmth of his cup of tea now that it isn't too hot to hold. He studies the steaming liquid rather than Falke; the words are things he has oft heard from the Fixer, but for once they seem to be sinking in. He nods his gentle agreement. "I agree with you," he says. "Perhaps there can be a limit on my work as Spyglass. I think if I were able to take a reprieve, I might be able to build further resilience."
It's the kind of naked statement that would never have come from Finn even a few weeks before, but even the Spyglass can see his own steps forward, since the glasses have been taken from his grasp. Stormy eyes flicker up as silence stretches on between them, and at finding Falke studying him, Finn promptly lets his eyes drop again. Scrutiny is something he is unconsciously used to, and he politely waits until the other man is finished.
It's the kind of naked statement that would never have come from Finn even a few weeks before, but even the Spyglass can see his own steps forward, since the glasses have been taken from his grasp. Stormy eyes flicker up as silence stretches on between them, and at finding Falke studying him, Finn promptly lets his eyes drop again. Scrutiny is something he is unconsciously used to, and he politely waits until the other man is finished.
THE SPYGLASS
you only strengthen its roots
