LOREN
The hesitation was practically killing Loren. When Abasi began to speak then stopped, the summoner felt his heart sinking. Presumably, the other man was just trying to let the Launceleyn down gently. However, he’d told himself that it was better to ask and get rejected and he needed to learn how to do that sometime with someone. That didn’t stop him from holding his breath as Abasi opened his mouth to speak again.Oh.
Well.
Not a rejection then, just an oddly and disappointingly commonsensical response to the summoner’s request. Still, while maybe someone else would’ve been upset that the other man wasn’t excited enough at the thought of messing around that he was going to risk doing it in public, Loren was just glad that he hadn’t misconstrued the situation entirely. And he was happy that the door seemed to be open. Maybe. Presumably. He hoped.
Letting out his breath in a huff of relieved laughter, the Launceleyn gave the other man an understanding grin. ”I don’t usually make a habit of giving myself to others either. And I understand not wanting to do anything in public.” So if the summoner had to wait, he’d wait. Not that he was particularly happy about it. ”I can’t say I’m thrilled at the thought of waiting until after LongNight,” especially because he wasn’t sure either of them would survive it, ”so I hope you don’t mind if I keep an eye out for someplace private in the Temple. In the meantime, how about a kiss to tide me over?”
Loren bit his lip as he stared at Abasi, their faces close. The Launceleyn was still hoping to get something out of this encounter that would tell him that the other man was serious and not just trying to get out of this situation. The fact that Abasi hadn't moved might just have been awkwardness and feeling uncomfortable. After all, Loren wasn't particularly good at reading these sorts of situations or those sorts of cues. He'd already taken all the chances that he dared here, just by asking.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
