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hands raising in mock surrender . he does not argue . the use of ‘ dad ’ seemingly lowering all his defences . returning the hug once more — just a little tighter now .
“ alright ,” viago hums . “ just letting it happen , happy ?”
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he pats her head once - then twice - before letting go .
" the thing is that i don't / want / to stab you ," viago grumbles . " even if you might want to stab me ." the last few words said with a knowing smile - all play , no heat to it .
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tries ( and fails ) not to jump out of his skin . gloved fingers instinctively reaching toward his knife . however , he glances back and relaxes . instead spinning around , stiffly returning the favour and hugging back .
“ i could have stabbed you .”
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( pauses for a second , really looking at the other —— squinted eyes . almost as if he could see right through them . )
… / should / i need anything from you ?
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