You've developed quite a bite, little one. [ because, of course he will find some nickname to bestow that is almost, almost rude and yet also terribly easy to ascribe as being affectionate. those who know dostoevsky know even the sweet words hide something underneath, that the promises made have clauses and loopholes, and that the politeness is true enough but it won't keep him from stabbing you in the back.

fyodor pinches a lock of his own hair, watching the tip sparkle; ] This you mean? Do you not think it suits me?

[ because he refuses to be embarrassed by sparkling. ] In fact, are you not curious to see whether you could have this happen to you as well?