Brainy wasn't trying to get away. He was actually moving closer. Which didn't sync properly with what he'd said the morning after they'd gone out with the Science Alliance, so--

--So he should probably pay attention to the words coming out of Brainy's mouth instead of trying to work it out through body-language.

"I..."

Right, the words coming out of Brainy's mouth were a jumble because the sprocking Capitol had ripped his inhibitors out. Great.

Lyle took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut, immediately cracking the right one open again so he could watch Brainy's face.

"I wasn't going to say anything. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."