[ Despite the topic, he lets out a startled laugh. He moves closer unthinkingly. Of course her question's unexpected, seeing as most people know not to follow up a vague statement like his, particularly when coupled with the emotional tells on his face. ]
[ wryly — ] Good to know you're still a nosy parker.
[ She didn't hold back questions in the VR, which makes the continuity in her character surprisingly comforting. The topic remains tetchy for him, despite his success at Kingsman. Where his mouth would once twist into something sharp, (angled to defend he and his family's honour), it merely thins. He looks her over once, more obvious this time, though there's nothing unsavoury about his stare, more like he's searching for something (and remembering all the things they spoke of in the cave, easily shifting between personal tales and lighter jibes). Briefly, he settles on the hands in her lap. Would it be comforting to hold her hand? Yes, undoubtedly. Don't mean you should fucking do it. Right, back to her face.
He cards a hand through his hair, sighing with the motion. Fat lot of good it does him, only serving to rearrange the wet mess. ]
My dad died when I was little. [ A beat. He doesn't know how much information he intends to share until the words are out of his mouth. ] While he was serving in the Marines. [ Then, admiration colours his tone. ] Threw himself on a grenade to save everyone, like a proper hero.
[ Your father noticed something I didn't, Harry had said. Cleverer than a group of fully-trained agents and fucking brave, to boot. Lee was a golden boy in every way, without Eggsy's rough edges and hesitant hands. The medal sits secure in he and Harry's flat, away from his person for the first time in years. He brushes fingers over where it would be around his neck before dropping his hand back into the water. Oh. ]
Mum started going mental, banging on about losing me, too. Didn't help that she married a dickhead who — [ for the first time, he stumbles over the words. He inhales a sharp breath. ] — well, he's nothing like my dad. [ A half-hearted shrug. His final words, at least, are firm. ] I couldn't leave her behind like that.
[ He doesn't regret his decision, no matter what Harry thinks. That was the only time quitting was more than his own weakness. Staying for his family, choosing not to shoot JB... there are some things he won't allow himself to feel guilty over. And he certainly doesn't need to an elaborate lie to cover it up. He doesn't seem to be hoping for any particular reaction from Ros, either, though he holds her gaze. She asked, and he answered directly. That's how it goes. ]
no subject
[ wryly — ] Good to know you're still a nosy parker.
[ She didn't hold back questions in the VR, which makes the continuity in her character surprisingly comforting. The topic remains tetchy for him, despite his success at Kingsman. Where his mouth would once twist into something sharp, (angled to defend he and his family's honour), it merely thins. He looks her over once, more obvious this time, though there's nothing unsavoury about his stare, more like he's searching for something (and remembering all the things they spoke of in the cave, easily shifting between personal tales and lighter jibes). Briefly, he settles on the hands in her lap. Would it be comforting to hold her hand? Yes, undoubtedly. Don't mean you should fucking do it. Right, back to her face.
He cards a hand through his hair, sighing with the motion. Fat lot of good it does him, only serving to rearrange the wet mess. ]
My dad died when I was little. [ A beat. He doesn't know how much information he intends to share until the words are out of his mouth. ] While he was serving in the Marines. [ Then, admiration colours his tone. ] Threw himself on a grenade to save everyone, like a proper hero.
[ Your father noticed something I didn't, Harry had said. Cleverer than a group of fully-trained agents and fucking brave, to boot. Lee was a golden boy in every way, without Eggsy's rough edges and hesitant hands. The medal sits secure in he and Harry's flat, away from his person for the first time in years. He brushes fingers over where it would be around his neck before dropping his hand back into the water. Oh. ]
Mum started going mental, banging on about losing me, too. Didn't help that she married a dickhead who — [ for the first time, he stumbles over the words. He inhales a sharp breath. ] — well, he's nothing like my dad. [ A half-hearted shrug. His final words, at least, are firm. ] I couldn't leave her behind like that.
[ He doesn't regret his decision, no matter what Harry thinks. That was the only time quitting was more than his own weakness. Staying for his family, choosing not to shoot JB... there are some things he won't allow himself to feel guilty over. And he certainly doesn't need to an elaborate lie to cover it up. He doesn't seem to be hoping for any particular reaction from Ros, either, though he holds her gaze. She asked, and he answered directly. That's how it goes. ]