That 'okay' might be a single word, but it has multiple implications. It takes long enough that Hannibal feels she must have been searching for something in his own answer and finally found it - what it may be, he isn't certain. Perhaps honesty? A benefit of lying to adults is that most social spheres don't really have room for calling one another out on white lies or light suspicions. Children, on the other hand, gleefully and often will declare bullshit when they see it. If expressions don't match voices, they get genuinely confused and don't know better to hide it and allow the other person to save face.
It is...surprisingly dangerous and difficult, lying to a child. And if Hannibal is truthful, then being honest with them feels only marginally safer.
"Of course." He stands back up, pushing the chair back towards the table. He regathers his stack of texts, but watches the few left on the table consideringly. "The one furthest from you, with the dark brown cover and the silver metal fastenings. Could you very carefully help me put that back in the study?" Extra trust and responsibility. If Triss is going to have an altered relationship with her powers, Hannibal can choose to block or enable the confidence she might need.
He would rather her feel that he trusts her to be responsible and helpful, when given the opportunity.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2016-08-03 12:41 am (UTC)It is...surprisingly dangerous and difficult, lying to a child. And if Hannibal is truthful, then being honest with them feels only marginally safer.
"Of course." He stands back up, pushing the chair back towards the table. He regathers his stack of texts, but watches the few left on the table consideringly. "The one furthest from you, with the dark brown cover and the silver metal fastenings. Could you very carefully help me put that back in the study?" Extra trust and responsibility. If Triss is going to have an altered relationship with her powers, Hannibal can choose to block or enable the confidence she might need.
He would rather her feel that he trusts her to be responsible and helpful, when given the opportunity.