Re: Wainright Manor: Hunter R & Damian W
Trust had nothing to do with the situation, as far as Damian was concerned, save for the man's trust in himself to get out of anything that happened. He did not trust nor mistrust Hunter. Certainly, he had expectations, as everyone did, all according to social script, environment, and learning. He expected certain actions or behaviors from the other man. He expected a greeting. He expected some hostility regarding the money. He expected some glint of shared blood. But, he would not have minded being disappointed in any of aforementioned expectations, because, while they existed, Damian didn't put any particular stock in them as givens.
Hunter did not seem to know what to do after Damian told him he may come nearer, and he blinked, as if that might help illuminate something. It did not. He nodded, and Damian stared at him.
The dogs stilled near the other man's feet, one—older—sitting, another coming close to sniff at black sneakers. Damian allowed it to finish its inspection of the scents on his treads, before he looked back to Hunter and the extended bag and bowl. "I do not eat meat," he informed Hunter without any real inflection. Perhaps he ought to've been offended or dismissive of the other's assumption, but he was not. (With others, he likely would have been.) Damian found his curiosity was still his most overwhelming feeling in the present. "Barbara might want it." After all, the cow in the stew was already deceased. "Come."
He turned, fully expecting to be followed into the manor, through the foyer and dining area, and into the kitchen. The space was, obviously opulent, but Damian knew the details so well, they did not phase him any longer. The marble, the gilt filigree, the tall ceilings, and plump chairs. It was what it was, and he did not linger in any space, other than the kitchen, so the stew could be refrigerated properly.—In there, Damian leaned against a counter near the refrigerator, and he picked up scrutinizing Hunter again. "I have clothing," he said, his eyes on threadbare white. "If you want it."