[Is there such thing as a good knife-to-the-gut feeling? It catches him in a weak spot. Absolved of something so basic as having to justify himself, Gladion reels.
(And, uh - there are car ride conversations, and then there's not being able to brush something off because you're en route to somewhere and also sitting on the person you're talking to?)
In the space of a few seconds, he flinches away bristling, flutters with hope, and creeps forward again. Physically, he swallows and goes quiet for another few seconds.]
...This time, I didn't have to - [Break. Swallow again. Voice thick:] But it was bad.
no subject
(And, uh - there are car ride conversations, and then there's not being able to brush something off because you're en route to somewhere and also sitting on the person you're talking to?)
In the space of a few seconds, he flinches away bristling, flutters with hope, and creeps forward again. Physically, he swallows and goes quiet for another few seconds.]
...This time, I didn't have to - [Break. Swallow again. Voice thick:] But it was bad.
[And another pause because, wow, this is hard.]