[The voice, the light, the way the man reacts to it -- it sends chills clawing up his spine. It's through a force of will he doesn't react. That he keeps his hand locked in place, and his gaze utterly set in stone. After all... it never helps anything, feeling like a freak around people you were supposed to trust.]
[He'd know.]
[His jaw tightens at the demanding question, brain warring for an answer that isn't squeeze just a little more. It's defensive. An irrational urge.]
[He's saved from having to come up with anything, and can't help the brief glance toward his fellow brain-sharer. Nestmate. Whatever they're calling themselves. But he doesn't let go until the guy is definitely turning to leave. Even then, he shifts his weight. Until he stands directly between the stranger's retreating back and Aoba.]
[Old habits die hard.]
[It's only when the guy disappears in the crowd that he turns back, and immediately offers up a hand.]
no subject
[He'd know.]
[His jaw tightens at the demanding question, brain warring for an answer that isn't squeeze just a little more. It's defensive. An irrational urge.]
[He's saved from having to come up with anything, and can't help the brief glance toward his fellow brain-sharer. Nestmate. Whatever they're calling themselves. But he doesn't let go until the guy is definitely turning to leave. Even then, he shifts his weight. Until he stands directly between the stranger's retreating back and Aoba.]
[Old habits die hard.]
[It's only when the guy disappears in the crowd that he turns back, and immediately offers up a hand.]
It was nothing. Are you okay?