[There's a strange prickle of offense with a soupcon of jealousy, something he very rarely feels, at the comparison. Logically he knows he deserves worse ribbing, but — he doesn't like it. He doesn't like the comparison to Atem, who he already knows Trish considers more sensible than him. It would be hard not to notice after August. It's something he can't forget.]
[Uncomfortably, he tucks his chin down into his collar, trying not to show any of that — only to stare up at her in visible panic at the suggestion of her leaving.]
Don't go!
[Instead of flushing, he pales still further, shrinking away from her gaze. For a long moment he's tongue-tied, feeling pathetic, and then he mumbles something barely audible.]
[Barely. But she can hear much better, now. It's something like:]
no subject
[Uncomfortably, he tucks his chin down into his collar, trying not to show any of that — only to stare up at her in visible panic at the suggestion of her leaving.]
Don't go!
[Instead of flushing, he pales still further, shrinking away from her gaze. For a long moment he's tongue-tied, feeling pathetic, and then he mumbles something barely audible.]
[Barely. But she can hear much better, now. It's something like:]
IdiedwhenIwokeup.