It takes him a moment to respond to that, though he's keeping his gaze fixed on Sycamore as he considers; he's noticed the intense amount of focus that crepe is getting all of a sudden, that much is certain.]
...Are you certain? I don't want to upset you by being there if things are unfortunate again.
[...at least the intense amount of focus has resulted in a near-perfect second crepe. Let's see if he can make the third look as good...]
Ah, I should clarify; if I go exalted again, you're not coming over.
[That's firm, but gently so; he's still watching this crepe rather intently.]
But if it's just a normal transformation - you know, a pair of ears, or something similar - then...well, I'd be happy to have you visit. Only if you're comfortable with the prospect, though.
[Third crepe is looking good! Definitely got the hang of this now - the intense focus is absolutely paying off. Considering he's yet to look up from the pan since this topic began, that....hm. Probably shouldn't be a surprise.
...]
...I'll be honest, I'm not sure how to phrase this next part without getting horribly embarrassed in the process, so give me a minute to work out what I'm saying.
[While he...runs his free hand through his hair and continues to stare at this (similarly perfect) crepe. Ugh.]
[The moments of reflection have done absolutely nothing to ease the embarrassment, much to Sycamore's mild distress, but at least the crepes are indeed fine. Looking rather nice, actually! It's something. He'll keep working on the next few, which, of course, involves complete focus.
...]
If....I mean I would love to see you regardless, so don't think that I wouldn't-
[-terrible start, already all over the place-]
-but if you would like to...when you come over, and I know that things are so early and I'm so sorry if this is too forward; really, now that I think about it it's awfully forward, these damn blessings I swear, I...
[Perfect crepes! Absolutely perfect!]
...but if you would like to...well, I will be very happy to see you, if you catch my drift, so if you want to make use of said happiness...! I would not be opposed!
[Mhmm such good crepes. They're not really taking away from the fact that he'd like the floor to open up and swallow him, but you know. They're very good.]
And if you would not, then I completely understand and it is no problem! Feel free to start the coffee whenever you'd like, by the way.
[Right, right, coffee, just...let him focus on that for a moment, at least to get it started...]
I want to know that it's something you want, Augustine. Not just something you're unopposed to.
[He's quiet when he says it, though it's firm enough. Not harsh, but steady.]
It falls under the same sentiment as everything else that we've discussed. It likely isn't something that we should do solely because the blessings are going to push us toward it.
So I'll ask again - you're certain this is something you want?
[Ten crepes is probably a good number...the pan is nice and hot so they're cooking quickly, now. Which is something of a problem, actually, because it means his distraction has a time limit. Dammit.]
'Blessing' is certainly not the word I would have chosen for the darn things.
[But that's neither here nor there, is it. Sycamore falls silent for a moment, watching his latest creation on the stove.
...]
If you've got any doubts about my willingness, mon cheri...well. Let's just say I don't need any help from Iris in that regard.
[And you'll actually get eye contact and a smile, after that; it's brief, but not teasing - more heartfelt.]
But you're right. I do have concerns around how I'll react to you being close, and I don't...I don't want to make things awkward or more complicated when we're still getting used to each other.
[Another crepe done, another lot of batter in the pan - and a sigh.]
I just hate the thought of having to be separated from you for another eight days, so...I don't know. It's a risk I'm willing to take, I think, but it needs to be something you want, as well. The last thing I want is to put you in any situations where you're uncomfortable, trying to make me happy.
[Where's that lemon...he should probably cut it up...]
I'd much rather you were honest. That makes me happiest.
[That....actually makes Sycamore smile quite brightly (and not just because he's located that lemon).]
If that is how you feel, then I agree! It makes a lot more sense to approach the blessings slowly, as you said. I'm confident we can make them work for us eventually, though!
[As long as he doesn't end up going Exalted again any time soon...anyway! That's not worth thinking about.]
Besides...
[Sycamore falls silent for a moment, after that, before chuckling to himself, continuing to focus on the lemon.]
...it's not like we need Iris to have fun, no? Since you're interested.
[He seems rather all right with this mutual decision, though.]
Honestly, Augustine, I'm not sure why I wouldn't be interested. It's just something that I think should be taken at a reasonable pace, and Iris... [The gesture that follows is both encompassing and vague.] ...It tends to be a bit much. Though I'll still come by, if you would like; I don't like the idea of being separated like that, either.
[Right, lemon is sliced; time to finish up those last few crepes...what a great way to (attempt to...) hide how this conversation is making him grin (and maybe blush a little bit, if you squint).]
Well, I'm flattered, then. I didn't even have to turn the charm on too much....you haven't even tasted my crepes! Careful, Lysandre, my ego can only take so much stroking!
[Hehe...oh, right, Iris, yes that-]
As for Iris, I'll see how I feel. Just trust me if I'd prefer to be left alone, okay? Send me a picture or two and I'll be fine.
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...Is there much that isn't included among that? I actually have difficulty coming up with things you dislike in any way.
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...]
...hm. I don't really enjoy tea! But I had some with fruit in it and it was actually rather delightful, so perhaps that isn't a good example...
[...
yeah could we come back to that one, he is. also struggling]
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[oh my god. this is so cute.]
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Ha! Just be confident in the knowledge that you're at the top of the list.
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[Just saying.]
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That depends on how good they taste. But you're in with a fighting chance, at least.
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[...]
This is nice, you know. Spending time like this.
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(Thankfully this crepe is done, he wouldn't want to burn the first one...)]
You're enjoying it? I wanted to do something nice. This feels a bit more personal than going out, no?
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It does. And of course I'm enjoying it - I've always enjoyed spending time with you, regardless of what we're doing.
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Well I've cleared my schedule, so you'll have the opportunity to spend plenty of time with me during Cordis.
[....
...does he talk about this...now, it seems like the ideal time but mmpphhhfff-]
...and Iris, too, if you'd like.
[Time to focus very. hard, on this next crepe, because the second one has no excuse for not being perfect! Hence the focusing.]
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It takes him a moment to respond to that, though he's keeping his gaze fixed on Sycamore as he considers; he's noticed the intense amount of focus that crepe is getting all of a sudden, that much is certain.]
...Are you certain? I don't want to upset you by being there if things are unfortunate again.
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Ah, I should clarify; if I go exalted again, you're not coming over.
[That's firm, but gently so; he's still watching this crepe rather intently.]
But if it's just a normal transformation - you know, a pair of ears, or something similar - then...well, I'd be happy to have you visit. Only if you're comfortable with the prospect, though.
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[Third crepe is looking good! Definitely got the hang of this now - the intense focus is absolutely paying off. Considering he's yet to look up from the pan since this topic began, that....hm. Probably shouldn't be a surprise.
...]
...I'll be honest, I'm not sure how to phrase this next part without getting horribly embarrassed in the process, so give me a minute to work out what I'm saying.
[While he...runs his free hand through his hair and continues to stare at this (similarly perfect) crepe. Ugh.]
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[He doesn't seem bothered by the idea of waiting, at least; the whole thing is a little "well, thank god the crepes are fine," but he can be patient.]
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...]
If....I mean I would love to see you regardless, so don't think that I wouldn't-
[-terrible start, already all over the place-]
-but if you would like to...when you come over, and I know that things are so early and I'm so sorry if this is too forward; really, now that I think about it it's awfully forward, these damn blessings I swear, I...
[Perfect crepes! Absolutely perfect!]
...but if you would like to...well, I will be very happy to see you, if you catch my drift, so if you want to make use of said happiness...! I would not be opposed!
[Mhmm such good crepes. They're not really taking away from the fact that he'd like the floor to open up and swallow him, but you know. They're very good.]
And if you would not, then I completely understand and it is no problem! Feel free to start the coffee whenever you'd like, by the way.
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I want to know that it's something you want, Augustine. Not just something you're unopposed to.
[He's quiet when he says it, though it's firm enough. Not harsh, but steady.]
It falls under the same sentiment as everything else that we've discussed. It likely isn't something that we should do solely because the blessings are going to push us toward it.
So I'll ask again - you're certain this is something you want?
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'Blessing' is certainly not the word I would have chosen for the darn things.
[But that's neither here nor there, is it. Sycamore falls silent for a moment, watching his latest creation on the stove.
...]
If you've got any doubts about my willingness, mon cheri...well. Let's just say I don't need any help from Iris in that regard.
[And you'll actually get eye contact and a smile, after that; it's brief, but not teasing - more heartfelt.]
But you're right. I do have concerns around how I'll react to you being close, and I don't...I don't want to make things awkward or more complicated when we're still getting used to each other.
[Another crepe done, another lot of batter in the pan - and a sigh.]
I just hate the thought of having to be separated from you for another eight days, so...I don't know. It's a risk I'm willing to take, I think, but it needs to be something you want, as well. The last thing I want is to put you in any situations where you're uncomfortable, trying to make me happy.
[Where's that lemon...he should probably cut it up...]
I'd much rather you were honest. That makes me happiest.
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Perhaps next month. This is something we're still getting used to; I'm not sure that that won't complicate things.
[...]
That isn't to say that I'm disinterested, however. Far from it.
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If that is how you feel, then I agree! It makes a lot more sense to approach the blessings slowly, as you said. I'm confident we can make them work for us eventually, though!
[As long as he doesn't end up going Exalted again any time soon...anyway! That's not worth thinking about.]
Besides...
[Sycamore falls silent for a moment, after that, before chuckling to himself, continuing to focus on the lemon.]
...it's not like we need Iris to have fun, no? Since you're interested.
[Have a quick wink. Of course.]
How goes the coffee, mon cheri?
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[He seems rather all right with this mutual decision, though.]
Honestly, Augustine, I'm not sure why I wouldn't be interested. It's just something that I think should be taken at a reasonable pace, and Iris... [The gesture that follows is both encompassing and vague.] ...It tends to be a bit much. Though I'll still come by, if you would like; I don't like the idea of being separated like that, either.
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Well, I'm flattered, then. I didn't even have to turn the charm on too much....you haven't even tasted my crepes! Careful, Lysandre, my ego can only take so much stroking!
[Hehe...oh, right, Iris, yes that-]
As for Iris, I'll see how I feel. Just trust me if I'd prefer to be left alone, okay? Send me a picture or two and I'll be fine.