[ Maybe Bastien's stillness is an answer; a pause in his movements, even his breath, before a little nod of his head knocks his nose against Byerly's ear. The nod says yes, I know. The stillness says but not really.
Nod aside, when he opens his mouth, it's not to lie. ]
It didn't feel that way at the start. It felt like seducing you.
[ Persistent. Careful. Vying for attention, working doggedly against the obstacle of not being Byerly's more usual stormy, alarming type. No motive but wanting him, and no lies, but after living as he did for so long, even being himself felt like artifice. The role of Bastien in love, performed by Bastien in love. ]
no subject
Nod aside, when he opens his mouth, it's not to lie. ]
It didn't feel that way at the start. It felt like seducing you.
[ Persistent. Careful. Vying for attention, working doggedly against the obstacle of not being Byerly's more usual stormy, alarming type. No motive but wanting him, and no lies, but after living as he did for so long, even being himself felt like artifice. The role of Bastien in love, performed by Bastien in love. ]
It doesn't feel like that anymore,
[ to stave off that concern. ]