[The statement of people protecting themselves already catches Gaston off guard a little. It conflicts pretty badly with his own world view, not only because he's seen plenty of women and children around the Index, but because he's just so used to everyone turning to him for help like total wimps. The notion of them taking care of themselves is strange.
And then he gets a kick to the legs.
He cries out and loses his footing, falling heavily to his knees. Which is bad, instincts tell him, because now the beast is towering over him. The bearskin he's wearing makes sure the back of his neck isn't exposed, but honestly, that knowledge doesn't dawn on him. He reflexively releases Jean to cover his head and neck, looking very much like he's cowering.]
no subject
And then he gets a kick to the legs.
He cries out and loses his footing, falling heavily to his knees. Which is bad, instincts tell him, because now the beast is towering over him. The bearskin he's wearing makes sure the back of his neck isn't exposed, but honestly, that knowledge doesn't dawn on him. He reflexively releases Jean to cover his head and neck, looking very much like he's cowering.]