[It is an answer. Polnareff can't see it, but it's there. Can't. Bruno is saying I can't, not I don't want to. Can't.]
[He continues to have contradicting desires — one part of him wanting Polnareff to understand and the other wanting him not to ever — to the point there's almost a pleading in his eyes. But he blinks a few times, breaking eye contact with Polnareff for a few seconds without turning away. When he looks again, his eyes are more carefully neutral.]
[Polnareff is waiting for an answer. He deserves one. But Bruno doesn't know how to give one any differently than he's already said. His gaze darts away again, briefly as if there's an answer somewhere for him that isn't Polnareff. But there isn't one. Of course there isn't.]
no subject
[He continues to have contradicting desires — one part of him wanting Polnareff to understand and the other wanting him not to ever — to the point there's almost a pleading in his eyes. But he blinks a few times, breaking eye contact with Polnareff for a few seconds without turning away. When he looks again, his eyes are more carefully neutral.]
[Polnareff is waiting for an answer. He deserves one. But Bruno doesn't know how to give one any differently than he's already said. His gaze darts away again, briefly as if there's an answer somewhere for him that isn't Polnareff. But there isn't one. Of course there isn't.]
I know, [he says quietly.] I'm telling you why.