[attr="class","beck"]whatever surprise that might have surfaced is quickly veiled, pushed back under in favor of a simple nod of acknowledgement.

"he's a good man."

fishing for another cigarette, he pulls one out, lights it, and takes a drag as he turns away to peer out at the empty street.

"thanks for coming tonight."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Not quick enough.

"You're surprised."

And now not looking at her. He's fished a brand new cigarette to light. Emma's eyes narrow, inebriation, however mild and familiar, still allows her to be more fluid in her expression.

"What was tonight?"

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]this time, he chooses the easy way out.

"i don't know."

perhaps it's the alcohol that allows his head to tilt back towards her, or perhaps it's something else entirely. regardless, the question leaves without much resistance:

"what do you think it was?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma's eyes narrow, unconvinced.

"You're lying."

And so she waits, unwilling to answer the question. She asked him first, and this wasn't a game she was willing to lose.

She tilts her head, watching him and watching the embers devour his cigarette.

[attr="class","beck"]of course she could read him now — he even chuckles at it; smoke exhaled off to the side. a finger taps at the cigarette, scattering ash onto concrete.

"seems like it was a date to me."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Embers spark and die against the cold concrete, snuffed out, forgotten.

"Hm."

She glances away, lips curling down in a thoughtful frown.

"Why?"

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"i told you."

though the natural urge is to glance away as well, he holds his gaze instead, perhaps to make a point.

"i'm trying to change."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

I'm trying to change.

Those words catch her off guard. She pulls her attention back sharply, finding him still watching her. He's serious, and that intimidates her.

"How does it feel?"

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"it feels..."

with a smile,

"good."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Her face is already warm, but his smile and his honesty is warmer.

"I'm happy to hear it."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]a nod follows, though the smile never fades. another inhale of his cigarette and he drops it, exhaling smoke as he extinguishes it against concrete.

"i should get going."

despite his words, he doesn't move just yet.

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma flicks her gaze between his face and the butt he presses to the concrete. It is brief, easily missed.

"You should."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]theo takes a step towards her, leans close, and kisses her cheek, briefly noting the lingering scent of perfume and alcohol mingled together. he pulls away not long after.

"goodnight, emma."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe