For a moment they merely stared at each other, bridling in their own ways--Hawk with his hackles literally up, Numair unmoved and defiant, with his hands still in his pockets.

Finally Hawk broke the silence, though his expression was still thunderous. "Look, I'm sorry I blew up how I did," he said. "I don't actually think you were playin' games with me."

"I should hope not," Numair said sharply. "I should hope you know me better than that."

Hawk put his head to one side. "Do I??" he wanted to know. "Goddamn, what was I supposed to think??"

"You could have let me explain."

"Explain now, then."

Numair didn't immediately reply to that, visibly bristling. Hawk waited, and then said impatiently, "C'mon. I cain't read you like you can read me, y'know. You gotta tell me."

"Oh, for--" Numair snapped, "I was being selfish, all right??"