[ Winter's head snaps towards Nikolas at that, that sort of incredulous did you really just say that? reaction that has gotten him several times in their past. But the expression on Nikolas's face being actually awkward instead of cruel (even jokingly so, given Winter's own confused feelings) is... definitely unexpected. He's left floundering for a few seconds, which all feel almost intolerably long as he tries to figure out how to respond to that at all.
And that's clear on his own face, he knows that much; while his tutors might have despaired of him ever actually managing a complete neutral mask, he knows he's gotten much better about it over the years... when he's actually acting in an official capacity. As the Heir -- or the Head, now -- it comes much more easily; but in a situation like this, as Winter, he's confused and thrown and maybe, just a little tiny bit hopeful.
Never mind that part. It's not going to go anywhere. He clears his throat instead. ]
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[ Winter's head snaps towards Nikolas at that, that sort of incredulous did you really just say that? reaction that has gotten him several times in their past. But the expression on Nikolas's face being actually awkward instead of cruel (even jokingly so, given Winter's own confused feelings) is... definitely unexpected. He's left floundering for a few seconds, which all feel almost intolerably long as he tries to figure out how to respond to that at all.
And that's clear on his own face, he knows that much; while his tutors might have despaired of him ever actually managing a complete neutral mask, he knows he's gotten much better about it over the years... when he's actually acting in an official capacity. As the Heir -- or the Head, now -- it comes much more easily; but in a situation like this, as Winter, he's confused and thrown and maybe, just a little tiny bit hopeful.
Never mind that part. It's not going to go anywhere. He clears his throat instead. ]