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She needed to stop speaking up for the intent of his benefit. That, much, was clear as Saoirse breathed deeply and looked down at her feet. And while apart of her couldn't truly be upset with Howell for becoming angry, that nonetheless did not stop the burn it created in her chest. His raised voice, and his pointed finger... it only made her volley between self-loathing and confusion even further.

Could she now, in addition to saying all the wrong things, no longer read him as well? If it had not been what she said, then what was his hesitance, his uncomfortableness, concerning? She didn't... know. Saoirse pulled her lips back in an attempt to stop her quivering bottom one, feebly, but it was to no avail. Her face grew hot, even though the rest of her body felt quite like it had been freshly exposed to a bitter ice bath, and it took a great deal of self control to not let any more emotion appear on her face.

It was only after swallowing soundly did Saoirse begin to move. She quietly took his cloak resting on her shoulders off, taking her time with it. Wearing it was unnecessary, now, with how cold she felt, and more importantly, she didn't think she could stand to be wearing it a minute longer. She folded it neatly in her hands, blinking quickly to help stay focused. Then, after a long silence, she finally spoke.

"I wish you, and Wales, the best of luck next month," Saoirse said calmly, and cooly, despite her face quite red with embarrassment. She stuck out his cloak to him. His scowl made something within her die a little, so she averted her gaze from his face.

What else could she say? His words dug deeply within her, they made her feel more confused, and alarmed, in the most horrible of ways. So while she would have liked to spend a few more hours with him, start the new year with Howell, that didn't seem very possible now. Who knew what else she would do or say with the thought of appeasing him but to only in the end offend?

Her mouth opened to perhaps apologize, for everything, but even now, she knew how insincere it would sound. So instead, Saoirse made a show of closing her mouth again with a confused look, returned his belonging to him, and quickly turned away. Now not only would their time apart be difficult, but bitter and heavy as well.