[Prior expected some reaction, but the one he's getting doesn't make the first bit of sense. For the first half-second when Richie's hand wraps his wrist he's expecting some kind of redirection. A guiding, upward drag. Having his hand dragged away like a kid caught sneaking the a premature cookie from a fresh baked tray isn't the right kind of guide at all.
But it's not violent, either. Carefully not, and to sound that close to flipping out and still be working to be gentle is a muddle of signals Prior's not able to follow.
Generous offer? The wrong side of thirty?]
But I'm on the good side. [It may be the stupidest thing to protest but it's all that comes to mind. He tugs his arm free to turn, frustrated and hiding something more vulnerable behind that.]
What did you pick me up for, otherwise? Like, do I look 43 from the back?
[You're coming home with him, Richie. Talking all familiar. What else would anyone think this is.]
no subject
But it's not violent, either. Carefully not, and to sound that close to flipping out and still be working to be gentle is a muddle of signals Prior's not able to follow.
Generous offer? The wrong side of thirty?]
But I'm on the good side. [It may be the stupidest thing to protest but it's all that comes to mind. He tugs his arm free to turn, frustrated and hiding something more vulnerable behind that.]
What did you pick me up for, otherwise? Like, do I look 43 from the back?
[You're coming home with him, Richie. Talking all familiar. What else would anyone think this is.]