[He'll listen to all that, settling back against the couch and crossing his legs idly as he does so; he's paying attention, don't worry, though he isn't seeming particularly fazed.]
I have a response, yes. And one that does not hinge on the denial of any change in relationship status.
I merely believe there's a distinction to be made between "suitably caring gestures" and "gestures that carry monetary value" - the former can be achieved without the latter, thereby placing no obligation, romantic or otherwise, upon you to purchase anything for me that you were not already purchasing for me before the relationship changed. There is no standard suitable change, as the change itself is unnecessary by definition.
[He pauses for a moment, however, seeming greatly amused by this entire thing.]
Unless you're arguing that affection is transactional now, which is an entirely different argument. My, Augustine, I thought you were supposed to be the romantic between us?
[...you ever get the feeling, sometimes, that you should have thought something through a bit more before you said it, even when you did, actually, think it through quite a bit? That's his dilemma, right now.
...he's currently drinking coffee because he wants the caffeine, not because he needs time to think. Just...letting you know.]
One moment, s'il vous plaît.
[He really wants the caffeine all right, okay, no...no, he's got this! He's got this. Ahem.]
I think you'll find that I am arguing the absolute opposite! My - our - affection is far from transactional. What I am trying to say, is that I see no problem with both of the aforementioned kinds of gestures. You see, to me, there is no amount of money that I could spend on you that I would ever consider too much, or excessive-
[-he might...be reaching out to play with your cravat a little bit, as he says that-]
-therefore making 'suitably caring gestures' and 'gestures that carry monetary value' not worth the split definition! Some will have no monetary value, and others will. Both are merely expressions of how I feel.
So I would argue that you should just let me be, and accept that sometimes I'm going to want to buy you fancy macarons.
[Oh, you're absolutely not stalling or trying to be a distraction, certainly not. The distraction isn't quite working, however.]
If you truly believe that there's no amount too excessive, then I can't ask you to spend any money on me in good conscience and good faith. After all, you'll never tell me no.
[But it was such a cute distraction....you're indomitable...]
Oh, you're deciding what is and isn't for my own good now, is it? That's quite a serious thing, for serious couples...you're escalating us. All the more reason for me to show my devotion in any way I choose, no?
[...he's also going to keep playing with that cravat because wow this material is nice, um.]
To show how serious I am, and all. This might be a fight you don't win, Lysandre!
that is so unfair he was holding it together so well but now he's laughing and he knows you did that on purpose you jerk-]
You're dreadful!
[Yes, yes, he knows...please don't be too smug...let him just. get himself under control so he can respond properly.]
Very well! I will admit defeat for now, but I intend to return to this topic. In the interim, I will create a list of suitably caring and free gestures that meet your ever-so-high standards.
[Look out, because the distractions aren't over; he'll neatly plant a quick peck of a kiss on your lips, before shifting back to his original position and...well, beaming.]
[Don't underestimate him, mon ami...he has a few tricks up his sleeve too, you know~! As it stands, he will take this moment to be a little bit smug himself.
(He so rarely gets to be smug at you, let him have this).]
But one of us has to be the romantic, like you said.
[Let him smugly pop another one of those macarons in his mouth, with an appropriately smug wink.
....you know you could have. warned him a little, before coming out and saying something as wonderful as that? He'll even be rendered speechless, for a moment.
(Just a moment, though, you know what he's like.)]
...that's lovely of you to say, Lysandre.
[You and these...compliments of yours, he's never really known how to deal with them other than just being embarrassed, so if you don't mind he'll...shift a little closer so he can rest his head on your shoulder, all right. This is...well. It's really nice.
...]
....I mean. I know it sounds a bit lewd, but I'm happy to kiss you whenever you like. If that counts as spoiling you. It's even free!
[You can't see it, but there was definitely an implied Teasing Wink included in that sentence.]
[....you know how much he likes his hair being played with, of course he's going to allow that.
...it's not helping much with the aforementioned embarrassment, of course, and neither is this new compliment....Lysandre...]
I think you might be a little biased, but I'll take the compliment anyway.
[And like. blush to himself, but that's definitely only because there's a lot of Suitably Caring Contact going on, not because he's...you know. Incredibly touched, or anything like that.
...]
...I feel like a teenager again, when I'm with you like this. You know...butterflies.
[.......that's what the people here call Vivillons, apparently. That little confession is also...horridly embarrassing, but it's. heartfelt. he swears. don't look at him.]
[He's quiet for a bit once that's out there, however; thinking, really, and continuing to run his fingers softly through Sycamore's hair.]
Would you like to spend Cordis with me? I imagine it might be easier then, as opposed to during either Sanguis or Iris, but I would like it if you stayed here for a few days.
[The instinct to respond to that request with a teasing comment is...powerful, mainly because it's how Sycamore always hides any strong feelings that embarrass him; this time, however, he remains quiet for a moment, letting the compulsion to deflect pass, until he can safely say....]
...I would love that.
[And he really, really would. That comment about feeling like a teenager again feels all the more accurate, as the ensuing emotion floods through his system, but it's...well, it's wonderful. It's been so long since he's felt like this about anyone, and it makes him reach out to clasp Lysandre's free hand within his own.]
I'll stay with you through the whole Cordis cycle, if that's what you'd like.
[......f....eelings are hard, so strong, but...he can do it....!]
I...want to spend as much time with you as I can. If you'll have me.
You say that as though I wouldn't, for some reason.
[...This really is comfortable, honestly. The chroma is nice too, he will admit... But even separately from that, this is nice.]
I imagine it's unwise to make too many decisions while I'm still not certain how much is being influenced. But I want you here for the Cordis cycle, yes.
[He would imagine that the chroma production helps keep Sanguis...calm, and all that, so that's an added benefit. All the more reason to keep cuddling like this!]
You will find me on your doorstep the second Cordis appears in the sky. I'll even bring macarons.
[...and before you even think about saying it, because he knows you will...]
Am I allowed to spend that money, if it's something I can enjoy too?
...if he wasn't already feeling the Emotions, he certainly would be now...]
Perhaps you had a point, when you said my arguments could use some work...but at least I came up with it eventually, no? Be careful, though; I absolutely intend to abuse it.
[He'll definitely find a way to make this work for him!
...before you shut it down, as he knows you will, but you know. He'll milk it as much as he can.
...]
...you're feeling okay? With Sanguis, I mean. You seem lovely and calm, but I thought I'd check in.
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I have a response, yes. And one that does not hinge on the denial of any change in relationship status.
I merely believe there's a distinction to be made between "suitably caring gestures" and "gestures that carry monetary value" - the former can be achieved without the latter, thereby placing no obligation, romantic or otherwise, upon you to purchase anything for me that you were not already purchasing for me before the relationship changed. There is no standard suitable change, as the change itself is unnecessary by definition.
[He pauses for a moment, however, seeming greatly amused by this entire thing.]
Unless you're arguing that affection is transactional now, which is an entirely different argument. My, Augustine, I thought you were supposed to be the romantic between us?
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...he's currently drinking coffee because he wants the caffeine, not because he needs time to think. Just...letting you know.]
One moment, s'il vous plaît.
[He really wants the caffeine all right, okay, no...no, he's got this! He's got this. Ahem.]
I think you'll find that I am arguing the absolute opposite! My - our - affection is far from transactional. What I am trying to say, is that I see no problem with both of the aforementioned kinds of gestures. You see, to me, there is no amount of money that I could spend on you that I would ever consider too much, or excessive-
[-he might...be reaching out to play with your cravat a little bit, as he says that-]
-therefore making 'suitably caring gestures' and 'gestures that carry monetary value' not worth the split definition! Some will have no monetary value, and others will. Both are merely expressions of how I feel.
So I would argue that you should just let me be, and accept that sometimes I'm going to want to buy you fancy macarons.
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If you truly believe that there's no amount too excessive, then I can't ask you to spend any money on me in good conscience and good faith. After all, you'll never tell me no.
It's for your own good.
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Oh, you're deciding what is and isn't for my own good now, is it? That's quite a serious thing, for serious couples...you're escalating us. All the more reason for me to show my devotion in any way I choose, no?
[...he's also going to keep playing with that cravat because wow this material is nice, um.]
To show how serious I am, and all. This might be a fight you don't win, Lysandre!
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I wasn't aware it was escalating anything. Am I not allowed to look out for your best interests?
Consider it a suitably caring gesture.
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that is so unfair he was holding it together so well but now he's laughing and he knows you did that on purpose you jerk-]
You're dreadful!
[Yes, yes, he knows...please don't be too smug...let him just. get himself under control so he can respond properly.]
Very well! I will admit defeat for now, but I intend to return to this topic. In the interim, I will create a list of suitably caring and free gestures that meet your ever-so-high standards.
[Look out, because the distractions aren't over; he'll neatly plant a quick peck of a kiss on your lips, before shifting back to his original position and...well, beaming.]
There's the first one. Stay tuned for the rest!
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...Yes, well. I never said I had any sort of argument with that kind of thing, did I.
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[Don't underestimate him, mon ami...he has a few tricks up his sleeve too, you know~! As it stands, he will take this moment to be a little bit smug himself.
(He so rarely gets to be smug at you, let him have this).]
But one of us has to be the romantic, like you said.
[Let him smugly pop another one of those macarons in his mouth, with an appropriately smug wink.
....you're really cute, all right.]
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Also he totally won this argument.]
You're better at that much, anyway. Your arguments could use a little work, however.
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...
now he's confused. He'll...stick with the romance.]
Good thing I've got you around to argue for me, no? But you have to admit, that was a pretty good try. I had some good points!
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[Now let him have another of the damn macarons.]
I'm sure you'll find some other way to spoil me, regardless. You've always been good at it.
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Oh, that goes without saying. I probably should've warned you, before you agreed to be in a relationship with me. I'm the generous sort!
[......
....although, uh]
You...knew that already, didn't you.
[....he is. very fond of you, and it has always been....obvious, um.]
Well! What I meant was, this just gives me all the more reasons to up the ante! But if you insist I do it on a budget, I'll find a way to manage.
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[It's said straightforwardly, with no hesitation behind it; as easily as he'd say anything else, really.]
I know how you are, and I've no arguments with it. I just don't like having money spent on me, that's all.
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....you know you could have. warned him a little, before coming out and saying something as wonderful as that? He'll even be rendered speechless, for a moment.
(Just a moment, though, you know what he's like.)]
...that's lovely of you to say, Lysandre.
[You and these...compliments of yours, he's never really known how to deal with them other than just being embarrassed, so if you don't mind he'll...shift a little closer so he can rest his head on your shoulder, all right. This is...well. It's really nice.
...]
....I mean. I know it sounds a bit lewd, but I'm happy to kiss you whenever you like. If that counts as spoiling you. It's even free!
[You can't see it, but there was definitely an implied Teasing Wink included in that sentence.]
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I wouldn't mind that.
[...]
And I say things like that because it's true. You're the most beautiful person I know. Genuinely.
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...it's not helping much with the aforementioned embarrassment, of course, and neither is this new compliment....Lysandre...]
I think you might be a little biased, but I'll take the compliment anyway.
[And like. blush to himself, but that's definitely only because there's a lot of Suitably Caring Contact going on, not because he's...you know. Incredibly touched, or anything like that.
...]
...I feel like a teenager again, when I'm with you like this. You know...butterflies.
[.......that's what the people here call Vivillons, apparently. That little confession is also...horridly embarrassing, but it's. heartfelt. he swears. don't look at him.]
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Likewise.
[He's quiet for a bit once that's out there, however; thinking, really, and continuing to run his fingers softly through Sycamore's hair.]
Would you like to spend Cordis with me? I imagine it might be easier then, as opposed to during either Sanguis or Iris, but I would like it if you stayed here for a few days.
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...I would love that.
[And he really, really would. That comment about feeling like a teenager again feels all the more accurate, as the ensuing emotion floods through his system, but it's...well, it's wonderful. It's been so long since he's felt like this about anyone, and it makes him reach out to clasp Lysandre's free hand within his own.]
I'll stay with you through the whole Cordis cycle, if that's what you'd like.
[......f....eelings are hard, so strong, but...he can do it....!]
I...want to spend as much time with you as I can. If you'll have me.
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[...This really is comfortable, honestly. The chroma is nice too, he will admit... But even separately from that, this is nice.]
I imagine it's unwise to make too many decisions while I'm still not certain how much is being influenced. But I want you here for the Cordis cycle, yes.
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You will find me on your doorstep the second Cordis appears in the sky. I'll even bring macarons.
[...and before you even think about saying it, because he knows you will...]
Am I allowed to spend that money, if it's something I can enjoy too?
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That's the sort of loophole you should have come up with before, you know.
[...Anyway.]
I suppose I can allow it.
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...if he wasn't already feeling the Emotions, he certainly would be now...]
Perhaps you had a point, when you said my arguments could use some work...but at least I came up with it eventually, no? Be careful, though; I absolutely intend to abuse it.
[He'll definitely find a way to make this work for him!
...before you shut it down, as he knows you will, but you know. He'll milk it as much as he can.
...]
...you're feeling okay? With Sanguis, I mean. You seem lovely and calm, but I thought I'd check in.
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It's good that there's nothing noticeably off, however, at least so far.
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[That's said rather fondly, though, of course! The time when you start rolling over in arguments is the time when he would start to worry.]
I know you won't want me to visit, but you will text me if you're having trouble, won't you? Even if you just need to let off some steam.
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[That isn't exactly answering the request any.]
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