[Such an odd request. Not like he had a smile any prettier than anyone else, he just... didn't do it as often. Maybe it was habit, maybe just a defense mechanism he'd learned over the years, but it didn't come as natural, not to him.
The last though, that struck a nerve. You deserve to.
Shit, he didn't deserve anything, let alone a friend like Veronica. He was a selfish crybaby at the best of times, and even if he fought for what he wanted-- in the race, in his childhood, in life in general-- it was for those same selfish reasons. Besides, even if he had a pretty face(he'd taken after his mother, everyone said), it didn't mean the rest of him was anything worth looking twice at.]
I think they're ready for me. You're welcome to stay and watch.
[He wasn't sure what else to say, so a change in subject seemed like the safest option. He was kind of glad that he had something else to distract himself with before the thoughts began to eat at him. Confidence, he could fake easily enough, and he gave her a nod and smile that was a barely-quirked corner of his mouth before turning his wheels toward the set up.
It didn't take long to park his chair and get himself seated where they directed him, though he had to be careful of the manicure. Last time he'd chipped one and they'd fussed over it for a good twenty minutes to get it back the way they wanted. The set today was fairly simple, draped fabric background, a camera set on a tripod and one in the photographer's hand, and a few of those umbrella lights. He gave Veronica a sort of wave as they were getting started.]
no subject
The last though, that struck a nerve. You deserve to.
Shit, he didn't deserve anything, let alone a friend like Veronica. He was a selfish crybaby at the best of times, and even if he fought for what he wanted-- in the race, in his childhood, in life in general-- it was for those same selfish reasons. Besides, even if he had a pretty face(he'd taken after his mother, everyone said), it didn't mean the rest of him was anything worth looking twice at.]
I think they're ready for me. You're welcome to stay and watch.
[He wasn't sure what else to say, so a change in subject seemed like the safest option. He was kind of glad that he had something else to distract himself with before the thoughts began to eat at him. Confidence, he could fake easily enough, and he gave her a nod and smile that was a barely-quirked corner of his mouth before turning his wheels toward the set up.
It didn't take long to park his chair and get himself seated where they directed him, though he had to be careful of the manicure. Last time he'd chipped one and they'd fussed over it for a good twenty minutes to get it back the way they wanted. The set today was fairly simple, draped fabric background, a camera set on a tripod and one in the photographer's hand, and a few of those umbrella lights. He gave Veronica a sort of wave as they were getting started.]