[ he considers this reasoning for a long moment, feeling something odd and unfamiliar settle between them, like pieces of a puzzle that don't quite fit being jammed together. he eventually wonders if this is trust and why aspen would offer it to him when he has not proven himself especially trustworthy. the things he has no desire to reveal to aspen — or anyone — aspen seems to have an uncanny knack for uncovering regardless. ]

I would possibly stop you if you decided to do something foolish. [ he gives this answer after some time. ] Only because I think you would regret your actions later if you went through with them.

[ there have been times his own anger has caused him to blunder, and if there had been someone there capable of reining him back... well, that specific person has largely been the cause of his anger, but the point stands. ]

You put it down. [ the scarf. laurent stays nestled in the soft fabric — until aspen goes into visible distress, and laurent lifts his head, his blue eyes wide. he is not experienced in giving comfort, nor has he ever received it. at a loss as to what to do, he drapes the scarf back over aspen's shoulders and sits back with his hands in his lap, his eyes steadily on him. ]

Someone has likely damaged one or more of your tethers. [ his breath puffs out unsteadily before him, the only evidence of the breaking of his calm. ] I feel it, too.