Part of him was intrigued with Greengrass' expression, because through all the passion and lust and pain and heartache Valerian didn't think he'd ever seen such an angry expression cross Greengrass' face. An exasperated one, maybe, and a frustrated one for sure, but not angry. He couldn't help but stare, his own expression devoid of emotion as he tried to figure out what to say. He couldn't find the words, though, which was becoming uncomfortably common in his interactions with Greengrass, even as infrequent as they were nowadays. And then Greengrass told him someone was sitting there, which immediately translated in Valerian's mind to I've found someone else, and it was his turn to feel jealous. His jaw clenched and he balled a fist under the table where Greengrass wouldn't see, but he held his tongue.

For a moment. One good, long moment. But he couldn't help himself from saying something—he hadn't sat down across from Greengrass to be immediately shooed away. He tossed a glance over his shoulder, looking for anyone who was coming in their direction, but he didn't see anyone.

"Wouldn't be surprised if you'd scared them off with that look," he said dryly, raising his brows as he turned his gaze back on Greengrass.

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