He felt himself sinking somewhat. Just standing there seemed odd for him when he was so used to otherwise simply heading into the quad, asking if she had had a good day and doing his best to pretend that the dogs weren’t terrifying to him. Try as he might, dogs would never be this man’s best friend. But that didn’t matter now. At least he assumed it didn’t.
Phoenix jumped somewhat as the doorknob turned to unlatch the door from the frame, he hoped she hadn’t seen that as that would have been somewhat embarrassing. After all, who on earth was afraid of doors opening? It wasn’t that he was afraid, of course, his nerves were wracked and he wasn’t certain how to deal with it. He would have much preferred a court case to trying to speak with his ex at this point.
“Ah…” And he trailed off. Not his smoothest of moments, he’d likely kick himself for that one later. “H-hey.”
Again, not his smoothest of moments.
“How are you doing?” Perhaps not the wisest choice to begin a conversation.
Normally he would have slipped past her, given her a kiss on the cheek and asked what was for dinner — while apologizing for forgetting his keys (again.) This was a different matter altogether. There were no smiles and embarrassed apologies, or kisses on the cheek or even asking how her day had been and what would be made for dinner that evening.
This was simply awkward.
“Can I come in?” That was the strangest thing he’d asked yet, considering that he had lived there with her for so long before.