Re: In-person: Misha B/Damian W
[A frown.] It does not mean you are weak. Every relationship is a liability with her. It is not—[He struggled, trying to comprehend the insult.]—It is not an insult. [Damian did not think Misha incapable. He thought Aunt, however, without scruples and without morality that mirrored Misha's even superficially.
He went to the sofa without complaint. He sat beside Misha, closely, and then he pulled his knees up and turned to the boy, so that his knees overlapped his. He frowned more, realizing his mistake. His expression fell and he opened his mouth, and then he sat back, withdrawing his legs from Misha's, so that he might face the room. He looked out the window, he looked to the television, and he could feel the question as it crept up the boy's throat. He finally peered back to Misha and said, simply, imperiously,] No.