[His reaction should obviously be to play it off, to laugh like it was just teasing and move on like it didn't happen. They'll forget about it entirely by the next time they talk, anyway, and that'll be that.
It is so frustrating that he doesn't want to do that, because now he actually has to try. Do you understand how difficult his life is, Alexei. You're making him actually think about his feelings???]
Really, really! I want to know!
[The words come easily and while they're still light, they're not quite teasing - it's his expression that probably gives it away that this is... An Attempt because he doesn't look nearly as pleased with himself as he would if this was teasing.]
no subject
It is so frustrating that he doesn't want to do that, because now he actually has to try. Do you understand how difficult his life is, Alexei. You're making him actually think about his feelings???]
Really, really! I want to know!
[The words come easily and while they're still light, they're not quite teasing - it's his expression that probably gives it away that this is... An Attempt because he doesn't look nearly as pleased with himself as he would if this was teasing.]