( of course, the loudening of his insouciances is faintly irritating and mildly bewildering, but it is not quite enough to cause her to lose her steady course. just as random ringing in the ears doesn't stop one from going about daily business, she continue onwards. but there is this one change: leaning forward, closer, she pushes just a bit harder.

it does occur to her that he thinks very little of her, if anything at all, and yet. )

I am not asking about what some might think, I am asking about what you think. And if you want my help or not. I will not force it upon you, not when it's not urgent, but I also want you to think about it as an option.

Really. Consider it.

( regarding him, her gaze does harden ever so slightly. )