[ The smile is blink and you’ll miss it, because – well, because he knew this was about to happen, his father’s overcompensation for his years of absence by way of turning anything he’s excited about (sans political protest) into some major event. Teo slumps into his chair, softly thanking the server and cradling his drink close to his face. ]
That’s all...really sweet, papa, but I said I had one date, not got engaged. Don’t stroke out on me and leave me alone with mom, okay?
[ His instinct is to distrust it. It’s too much over too little, the acceptance so effusive that it comes off as insincere. Nonno warned him that if the tape got out, his parents’ manipulation would kick into overdrive, anything to keep him quiet and convenient. Of course they’d push him towards the golden boy athlete in a bougie sport with a wholesome reputation. An instant power couple and reputation rehab all at once.
(But is it too little? Teo can’t even close his eyes without thinking about last night, those precious seconds where he forgot how to breathe when Hawk touched him, the way those piercing blue eyes went so soft when he looked at him, like he was the answer to a question neither of them knew was being asked, something worth sticking around for. He’s gonna be sick.)
Teo very pointedly avoids eye contact, stuffing away deep down the small, itty bitty, definitely tiny and practically microscopic childish piece of him that still craves his father’s approval despite it all. It’s not real. They’d say anything to get rid of Harry. ]
no subject
That’s all...really sweet, papa, but I said I had one date, not got engaged. Don’t stroke out on me and leave me alone with mom, okay?
[ His instinct is to distrust it. It’s too much over too little, the acceptance so effusive that it comes off as insincere. Nonno warned him that if the tape got out, his parents’ manipulation would kick into overdrive, anything to keep him quiet and convenient. Of course they’d push him towards the golden boy athlete in a bougie sport with a wholesome reputation. An instant power couple and reputation rehab all at once.
(But is it too little? Teo can’t even close his eyes without thinking about last night, those precious seconds where he forgot how to breathe when Hawk touched him, the way those piercing blue eyes went so soft when he looked at him, like he was the answer to a question neither of them knew was being asked, something worth sticking around for. He’s gonna be sick.)
Teo very pointedly avoids eye contact, stuffing away deep down the small, itty bitty, definitely tiny and practically microscopic childish piece of him that still craves his father’s approval despite it all. It’s not real. They’d say anything to get rid of Harry. ]
Tell me you didn’t set this up.