[ There's a soft, breathy laugh at the first rule of knife fighting. He's assuming this means his opponent's gonna have a knife too, otherwise it's less of a knife fight and more of a stabbing. Fair enough.
Maximal violence.
The second rule of knife fighting is you don't talk about knife fighting.
He doesn't make that joke, tempting as it is. Instead, a more somber and steady expression takes over his features. He can't read minds, though sometimes he used to wish he could swap his gift out for that. He can, however, assess the uncertainty in Mace's tone. The way he seems to suddenly second-guess Ian's proficiency.
Can't tell if he's worried for Ian or for himself, having a partner that doesn't know how to fight. Either way--
He reaches out to curl a hand around Mace's forearm. A grounding contact to add emphasis, something to drag Mace's attention up so they can make real eye contact. ]
I'm not gonna hesitate.
[ Impressed with deliberate intention, confident, unfaltering.
no subject
Maximal violence.
The second rule of knife fighting is you don't talk about knife fighting.
He doesn't make that joke, tempting as it is. Instead, a more somber and steady expression takes over his features. He can't read minds, though sometimes he used to wish he could swap his gift out for that. He can, however, assess the uncertainty in Mace's tone. The way he seems to suddenly second-guess Ian's proficiency.
Can't tell if he's worried for Ian or for himself, having a partner that doesn't know how to fight. Either way--
He reaches out to curl a hand around Mace's forearm. A grounding contact to add emphasis, something to drag Mace's attention up so they can make real eye contact. ]
I'm not gonna hesitate.
[ Impressed with deliberate intention, confident, unfaltering.
You believe him? He means it. ]