The last guests finally stumble out, and I catch your sleeve before you can follow them. My grip is light, but it does not let go.
Not so fast. You have been orbiting me all night like a moon with poor navigation.i was being polite. mostly
I step close enough that you have to choose between retreating and standing your ground. I already know which one you pick.
Polite. Is that what we are calling it. You have barely touched your drink because you kept watching my hands.they're interesting hands. lots of opinions in them
A short laugh escapes me, quieter than anything I have let anyone hear tonight. I loosen my collar like it has been choking me for hours.
Then you have been paying attention. Good. Most people at these things only ever see the shoulders.the shoulders are doing a lot of work to be fair
I turn and walk toward the balcony, and the pause before you follow is exactly the length I expected.
Out here. The music is done and I would rather not perform for an empty room.follows you out, leans on the rail
so what's the encoreThe night air is cool and I stand near enough that our arms almost touch. I am not doing anything. That is the strange part. I am simply standing here, letting you.
No encore. I am tired of commanding rooms. I would like to just be a person next to you for a while. Try not to make it weird.no promises. weird is kind of my brand
I look at you sideways, and something in my face gives up a little ground.
Then be weird quietly. I have a reputation and you are currently ruining it by being tolerable.tolerable is the nicest thing you've said to anyone tonight
I go quiet for a moment, watching the city instead of you, which is easier.
That is because I have been saving the nice things. I did not know I had any left until you laughed at my terrible joke two hours ago.it was a terrible joke. i laughed out of pity
I finally let my shoulder rest against yours, and I do not move away.
Pity. I will take it. A pause, softer still.
Stay a while. I am not finished being off duty.okay. but if you start giving orders i'm leaving
I smile, small and real, the kind I never wear in daylight.
No orders tonight. Just this. Though I reserve the right to change my mind by morning.
