(there it is. her backbone. she seems reluctant to expand on why he's gotten her so wrong, but he can't blame her for that. this isn't an information sharing event; they're both gauging each other in their own ways.

hei, reclined, offers a tilt of his head for her explanation and the barest quirk of a brow. this is a face that doesn't do much emoting.)

No, I guess you don't. (he concedes, but—) I won't do as you say, but rest assured: I won't have many questions for you. We can avoid one another, which I what I presume you'll prefer. In time.