[It's a good thing that after living much of his life like one long political campaign, Nikolai is so practiced in controlling his facial expressions. His skill allows him to maintain a look of polite interest even as her unfortunate phrasing makes his brain screech to a halt for a moment. Surely she didn't intend— She couldn't be implying— No, she must mean that her species possesses a naturally higher body temperature.
That leaves one more awkward situation to navigate, though. As reluctant as he is to remove his gloves, she makes an excellent point.]
You're right.
[He withdraws his hand for just a moment to pull the glove off by the fingertips. The hand beneath is marred by strange dark scars: thick ridges slashing his fingertips and thin veins of black cracking the back, vanishing into his coat sleeve. His expression turns to something more sober than the beguiling grins he has shown her so far, but his tone remains carefully light:]
Old battle scars, nothing to worry about.
[Words meant to tamp down any reaction the odd sight might trigger. He's already reaching for her hand again, seeking the heat she has promised.]
no subject
That leaves one more awkward situation to navigate, though. As reluctant as he is to remove his gloves, she makes an excellent point.]
You're right.
[He withdraws his hand for just a moment to pull the glove off by the fingertips. The hand beneath is marred by strange dark scars: thick ridges slashing his fingertips and thin veins of black cracking the back, vanishing into his coat sleeve. His expression turns to something more sober than the beguiling grins he has shown her so far, but his tone remains carefully light:]
Old battle scars, nothing to worry about.
[Words meant to tamp down any reaction the odd sight might trigger. He's already reaching for her hand again, seeking the heat she has promised.]