[The compliment about his home wouldn't have stood out so much if Ronan was the type to regularly give out compliments. But he wasn't, so it was easier to tell when it was a cover for something else. Or maybe Adam just knew him too well.
For a moment, he let himself have the ghost of a smile. Under different circumstances, he would've pulled Ronan into a hug as soon as his hands were free, would've greeted him with a hug at the door, but- he wasn't sure where his boundaries were and he didn't want to overstep.
That familiar little wrinkle formed between Adam's eyebrows as he turned to face Ronan again, after setting the cupcake box down. He couldn't help but feel hopeful, that maybe Ronan was going to say something nice. But also, knowing him, it could be something that hurt, too. Adam didn't think Ronan would hurt him on purpose, not a real, deep hurt, but- that didn't change the fact it could still happen. And maybe Adam hadn't quite been fair, either. He'd gotten emotional but he hadn't intended to guilt Ronan into feeling any certain way.
It was unsurprising that Ronan didn't immediately follow up with what he'd thought he should have said before, and though Adam was patient, he gently prompted him.]
Go ahead.
[He was braced for the worst but hopeful for something not so bad.]
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For a moment, he let himself have the ghost of a smile. Under different circumstances, he would've pulled Ronan into a hug as soon as his hands were free, would've greeted him with a hug at the door, but- he wasn't sure where his boundaries were and he didn't want to overstep.
That familiar little wrinkle formed between Adam's eyebrows as he turned to face Ronan again, after setting the cupcake box down. He couldn't help but feel hopeful, that maybe Ronan was going to say something nice. But also, knowing him, it could be something that hurt, too. Adam didn't think Ronan would hurt him on purpose, not a real, deep hurt, but- that didn't change the fact it could still happen. And maybe Adam hadn't quite been fair, either. He'd gotten emotional but he hadn't intended to guilt Ronan into feeling any certain way.
It was unsurprising that Ronan didn't immediately follow up with what he'd thought he should have said before, and though Adam was patient, he gently prompted him.]
Go ahead.
[He was braced for the worst but hopeful for something not so bad.]