[ The way he hugs her is different. Of course. Maman wouldn't have known that on the rare occasion she and Verso shared a comforting embrace that he still clung to her as if he were still the small boy from 22 years ago. As if she were still the bigger one, still able to shield him. This Verso instead cradles her like she's a precious artwork. Trying to comfort her, rather than seeking it. It's an odd feeling, but not an unwelcome one. A feeling worth remembering even if it is unexpected. ]
Good. Ordinarily, I would threaten to murder you if you told anyone, but I want to discourage that behavior. You're so difficult; everything has to be different and special for you, doesn't it?
[ In truth, Clea isn't sure what she wants to share. Her sincerity seems to make a part of him uncomfortable. Or so she assumes, but she can never be sure if her assumptions are accurate when it comes to this Verso. If he were her Verso, it would obvious: That too breezy stance, the way he contorts himself to be what he thinks others need like a liquid being poured into a mold.
But this one, she cannot be sure. Aline is used to the world bending to her will. Does she see Verso doing so? Or does she assume that's his true self?
She doesn't know what to say. Does she talk about her anger? How she wants Renoir out of the Canvas and also wants to slap him across the face? Does she talk about wondering what would have happened if she had died or burned, about wondering why she is the one spared the permanent pains? About how she worries about Alicia but also sometimes despises her? She'd told the girl over and over not to be so credulous, had pushed her to understand the world. She'd continually refused and her actions had cost them all.
There is one thing.
Something she would not have told her Verso, but can voice to this one. An errant thought that sometimes assaults her like a pickpocket during the most mundane of tasks. ]
I don't know if I can stay.
[ It feels like giving voice to something forbidden. Clea's life had been shaped around her parents' expectations and needs, but now that mask is broken. She doesn't know if she can put it back together. ]
no subject
Good. Ordinarily, I would threaten to murder you if you told anyone, but I want to discourage that behavior. You're so difficult; everything has to be different and special for you, doesn't it?
[ In truth, Clea isn't sure what she wants to share. Her sincerity seems to make a part of him uncomfortable. Or so she assumes, but she can never be sure if her assumptions are accurate when it comes to this Verso. If he were her Verso, it would obvious: That too breezy stance, the way he contorts himself to be what he thinks others need like a liquid being poured into a mold.
But this one, she cannot be sure. Aline is used to the world bending to her will. Does she see Verso doing so? Or does she assume that's his true self?
She doesn't know what to say. Does she talk about her anger? How she wants Renoir out of the Canvas and also wants to slap him across the face? Does she talk about wondering what would have happened if she had died or burned, about wondering why she is the one spared the permanent pains? About how she worries about Alicia but also sometimes despises her? She'd told the girl over and over not to be so credulous, had pushed her to understand the world. She'd continually refused and her actions had cost them all.
There is one thing.
Something she would not have told her Verso, but can voice to this one. An errant thought that sometimes assaults her like a pickpocket during the most mundane of tasks. ]
I don't know if I can stay.
[ It feels like giving voice to something forbidden. Clea's life had been shaped around her parents' expectations and needs, but now that mask is broken. She doesn't know if she can put it back together. ]