( oh, wataru is doing this on purpose and he knows it for sure by now, embarrassed as he is by how he and his breath had so briefly stilled like a dear struck by light when wataru had so lovingly paused to gaze at miai for effect.

god, what a jerk - a little genuinely irritating, even - it was just truly unfair he had such flair while doing it; it would be far easier to write him off if wataru didn't have such glamour cast on everything he did. he'd been trying so pointedly to maintain a relatively neutral stance toward him, but,

smiles, )

I did give you my word didn't I, Monsieur? I would be more than happy to occupy him while you're away. ( his hands rest folded so neatly on his lap, polite. ) But it's a shame, I think— for your standards to be so low and myself so above your bar that you fail to acknowledge me . . . I really thought you were better than that.

( a little rude for a supposed jest in return? just maybe. but wataru started it first, so, )