[Her grin is returned, wide and unafraid. If anything, her behavior just seems to reflect exactly what he wants. Pain and fear aren't his to feel.
His voice fades into a whisper, hissing words. He almost sounds vicious for it.]
It's not a lie, love. [And his expression softly changes with a little more affection again, pressing his thumb right into the back of her own hand, lifting his other one to touch the bruise on her face. Maybe she can appreciate someone who latches on to her just as tightly.] What's this here? Someone's parting gift?
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His voice fades into a whisper, hissing words. He almost sounds vicious for it.]
It's not a lie, love. [And his expression softly changes with a little more affection again, pressing his thumb right into the back of her own hand, lifting his other one to touch the bruise on her face. Maybe she can appreciate someone who latches on to her just as tightly.] What's this here? Someone's parting gift?