“hobbies, mm? i have like. . . a bajillion of them — do you want some suggestions? or maybe just some company? i think i’m quite good company, if i do say so myself.”
she’d say with a soft giggle.
paige was pretty good at reading people ; and usually, she’d pry but. . . the way his gaze lingered, the tone of his voice — it made her hold her tongue for once, nodding her head as she gave him a soft, sweet smile.
++
a soft sigh slipped past his lips , and he would avert his stony stare from her emerald eyes .
“ you just caught me alone , is all . i don’t really have any hobbies other than getting lost in my thoughts . when i’m with others , i tend to not think as much . ”
he explained .
“mm? oh! no! just. . . you seem too look. . . more melancholic than usual — err — well, you just look sad. . . i wanted to see if you were alright?”
a look of concern would come across her face, fiddling with the cover of her book as she rocked on her heels next to him.
her gaze softened as her eyes locked with his — tilting her head as she examined the rings of exhaustion that circled his eyes. her brows would furrow slightly, feeling a little. . . bad that he looked like he was so tormented.
++
his tall stature required he look down at her , but his limp posture did its best to not come off as threatening - but rather . . sad ?
regardless , he lifts a hand , returning the wave .
“ can i help you . . ? ”
she’d hold one of her books close to her chest ; lips puckered out as her eyes drifted to his stitches before looking away, cheeks ever so slightly flushed.
a small squeak leaves her throat as he notices her, clearing it before looking up at him with a shy grin.
++
his eyes linger on the haphazard stitches crudely holding his forearm to his elbow . .
. . but the sight of the bookworm’s shoe in his peripheral captures his attention , and he turns to look at her .
“ . . hey . ”
he greets , body slowly turning to face the shorter woman .
wha— hey! we’re /both/ the smart one! you’re just. . . a little more brawny and i’m a little more brainy — that’s all!
. . . i just want to keep you safe — and make sure you’re okay ; sorry. . .
You're gonna get your ass / killed / if you keep that shit up — and I ain't gonna let it be 'cause of me!? C'mon, ain't'cha s'pposed to be the smart one?!
[her eyes would practically sparkle from his understanding ; gleefully clapping her hands together before picking up a stack of books and handing it to him. ]
i’m so glad you get it! these ones, please! there’s really not many that have to go up that high!
++
[ she couldn’t help but smile up at him as she continued handing him each book ; happy that she could actually get someone to understand the filing system — and him of all people!
he was so good being a loner ; avoiding her conversations, but now? he was helping her
++