[Bitter triumph swells inside him, a feeling almost too big for his chest. It's something, having beaten out men and monsters for Hector's flesh - the best part, many would say. Even if he wasn't the first to burn his fingertips into his skin, or the first to kiss him and to know his taste. He'd take his victories where they came.]
How fortunate for you, then.
[He says to Hector's back, choosing not to interpret his body language in the way he suspects it's meant to be taken. Hector can escape the strain of sustained eye contact, but the conversation isn't over, only temporarily put on hold while he considers the gentle curve of Hector's spine, the rise and fall of his side. Considers the faith Hector still has in their truce and his own ability to honour it.]
You would not have been able to keep a secret of it, if you did.
[Or it doesn't seem possible anyway, as far as life in the castle was concerned. Demons talked, the walls had ears.
And Isaac had been listening closely, sifting through rumours and lies for what he hoped - and at times, dreaded - was true.]
don't worry, hec, you'll feel some heat soon
How fortunate for you, then.
[He says to Hector's back, choosing not to interpret his body language in the way he suspects it's meant to be taken. Hector can escape the strain of sustained eye contact, but the conversation isn't over, only temporarily put on hold while he considers the gentle curve of Hector's spine, the rise and fall of his side. Considers the faith Hector still has in their truce and his own ability to honour it.]
You would not have been able to keep a secret of it, if you did.
[Or it doesn't seem possible anyway, as far as life in the castle was concerned. Demons talked, the walls had ears.
And Isaac had been listening closely, sifting through rumours and lies for what he hoped - and at times, dreaded - was true.]