[ The hand on his back makes Angelo whirl around, effectively shaking off the touch, but at the same time halting his grand escape. He meets Hickey's eyes again, still scowling. ]
I know. Of course I know that!
[ If he'd thought Hickey had any serious designs on what he was implying, there would have been more than just snippy words here. By now, Hickey may have forgotten what Angelo's fist tastes like, but he is not above reminding the man. If offering up all that still remains of himself were not enough to tie Hickey to him for even a week, then there would be nothing for Angelo to gain here. Then two nights ago would have been a terrible mistake.
(He doesn't want to believe that. The warmth of Hickey's chest against his palm, the beating of his heart so reassuringly steady yet so quick... He thinks of it more than he wants to admit.) ]
You can be his friend for real, if it so matters to you. I won't stop you.
[ Angelo is not going to like it much, but that is primarily owed to the circumstances. He does not think himself so blindingly jealous that he'd forever forbid Hickey from having pets, or friends, or whatever he chooses to call it. That's not the core problem here. It's not the thing that makes him want to leave the deck, retire to his berth, and kick the wall for a little.
But he also doesn't feel like explaining the true heart of the matter to Hickey when he's being this way. So he leaves it at that, merely giving Hickey a piercing look as he awaits his response. ]
no subject
I know. Of course I know that!
[ If he'd thought Hickey had any serious designs on what he was implying, there would have been more than just snippy words here. By now, Hickey may have forgotten what Angelo's fist tastes like, but he is not above reminding the man. If offering up all that still remains of himself were not enough to tie Hickey to him for even a week, then there would be nothing for Angelo to gain here. Then two nights ago would have been a terrible mistake.
(He doesn't want to believe that. The warmth of Hickey's chest against his palm, the beating of his heart so reassuringly steady yet so quick... He thinks of it more than he wants to admit.) ]
You can be his friend for real, if it so matters to you. I won't stop you.
[ Angelo is not going to like it much, but that is primarily owed to the circumstances. He does not think himself so blindingly jealous that he'd forever forbid Hickey from having pets, or friends, or whatever he chooses to call it. That's not the core problem here. It's not the thing that makes him want to leave the deck, retire to his berth, and kick the wall for a little.
But he also doesn't feel like explaining the true heart of the matter to Hickey when he's being this way. So he leaves it at that, merely giving Hickey a piercing look as he awaits his response. ]