[It's a little easier to deal with, in some ways. It's easier to deal with than people saying no. I want you here. Or people insisting they want to be near him, that he's somehow someone worth being near at all. It's easier to frame it like a choice, to frame it like it's something inconsequential. No. Just doesn't want him to go.]
[Doesn't need him around, but doesn't need him gone, either.]
[It puts the ball back in his court. It's a small thing, but it's enough to subtly twist the corner of his mouth in a vague, rueful gesture that isn't quite a smile, but isn't quite not one either.]
You don't have to. I'm probably gonna stay here for a bit, if that makes any difference.
[He's going to enjoy things, like pizza no one had to spend stories to get, and tea that comes out of bags and not loose leaves that plucked and steeped by hand, and whatever idle creature comforts that he's forgotten people could take for granted.]
[He might as well take advantage of it while it lasts.]
no subject
[Doesn't need him around, but doesn't need him gone, either.]
[It puts the ball back in his court. It's a small thing, but it's enough to subtly twist the corner of his mouth in a vague, rueful gesture that isn't quite a smile, but isn't quite not one either.]
You don't have to. I'm probably gonna stay here for a bit, if that makes any difference.
[He's going to enjoy things, like pizza no one had to spend stories to get, and tea that comes out of bags and not loose leaves that plucked and steeped by hand, and whatever idle creature comforts that he's forgotten people could take for granted.]
[He might as well take advantage of it while it lasts.]