[Even when deep in a research binge, there is a part of him always on the look-out for threats. (The knife to the back that had brought him here only further proves the necessity of such well-honed instincts.)
The mere presence of other people in a public library is not in itself alarming, of course, but that hypervigilance eventually cottons on to the suspicious lack of other sounds he's used to hearing. The rustle of paper, the slide of a book being placed or removed from a shelf. Breathing.
Cautious, his posture remains relaxed, and he uses a stretch as an opportunity to subtly look around for the culprit. With them not immediately visible, he hums softly to himself and gets to his feet, knowing he won't be able to focus again until he's at least seen whoever's hovering silently nearby. Besides, he could probably do with a little walk around. How long has he been hunched over these books? Hard to keep track of the passage of time in here.]
no subject
The mere presence of other people in a public library is not in itself alarming, of course, but that hypervigilance eventually cottons on to the suspicious lack of other sounds he's used to hearing. The rustle of paper, the slide of a book being placed or removed from a shelf. Breathing.
Cautious, his posture remains relaxed, and he uses a stretch as an opportunity to subtly look around for the culprit. With them not immediately visible, he hums softly to himself and gets to his feet, knowing he won't be able to focus again until he's at least seen whoever's hovering silently nearby. Besides, he could probably do with a little walk around. How long has he been hunched over these books? Hard to keep track of the passage of time in here.]