[ This goes about as well as he could've expected. In the caught-breath silence, the slam of Asriel hitting the tabletop is very loud. John leans away a little, caught between gratified and apologetic; he steadies forward when Asriel snatches up his hand again. ]
On occasion.
[ He lets them both settle a moment, as Asriel catches his breath. ]
Let's assume we're not meeting criteria. Any better ideas?
[ He can think of a few, each more intrusive than the last: matching their breathing patterns; whispering secrets; fully embracing, for no other reason than some Pthumerian finding it twee; something about mouth-to-mouth. ]
no subject
On occasion.
[ He lets them both settle a moment, as Asriel catches his breath. ]
Let's assume we're not meeting criteria. Any better ideas?
[ He can think of a few, each more intrusive than the last: matching their breathing patterns; whispering secrets; fully embracing, for no other reason than some Pthumerian finding it twee; something about mouth-to-mouth. ]