Re: O'Brien, Leah?, Open
Leah let her eyes flick up to his face when she saw him turn his head to look at her. Seeing the faint smile, her brows drew down. Not in anger this time, but in confusion. How could he even smile at her, when she'd been so horrible? He had every right to ignore her, to walk away without even speaking. And why did she even care that he hadn't done either of those things yet?
Music was starting to play up in the background, giving Madison Square more of a party atmosphere. Feeling unnaturally self-conscious, Leah tugged the tail of her shirt down. She wasn't the only one here underdressed for the occasion. Didn't care, either. In fact, seeing all the prissy girls in their fancy dresses made her feel proud that she possessed the sense enough to dress warmly. It was fucking winter time, after all. Not a cleavage parade.
This was exactly why she didn't apologize to people. A conscience was a wicked thing when it insisted upon smothering her ego, taking digs at every little thing she said and did. No friendships. There was a reason that was a personal rule.
"I don't hit that hard," she countered, staring at the table in front of them. "But yes, you did deserve it. Or maybe I just have anger issues." She shrugged one shoulder. Close to an apology. She was getting there.
Leah blinked in astonishment when he asked how she was. "How am I? Guy with the black eye asks how I am? That makes a lot of sense." A smart remark was easier than giving an honest answer. "But no, I didn't. Don't know where he is. Don't care enough to find out. Considering how charming he is, pretty sure I won't be the one that kills him."
She fell quiet for a few minutes, drumming her fingers on the table, eying the refreshments but not really interested in any of it. This was too damn difficult. She couldn't bring herself to say she was sorry. She didn't want to have to explain herself. That was the whole reason for building up those metaphorical walls. So no one could get in.
"Well, anyway," she began awkwardly, backing away from the table, "thanks for the advice last night. You know, about not giving that douche anything else to respond to. Saved me a bit of a headache." She nodded a goodbye before turning around. Retreating. Like a coward.