His relief is palpable, and when he takes the roses, he doesn't bother stifling a smile. It's wonderful, viewing Eridanus as something other than a living metaphor for his fall from grace. Perhaps everything will be all right after all.]
You look --
[The compliment dies on his tongue. This is still wrong, isn't it? Even if they're not killing people? He shakes his head, stifling the fear. But his smile isn't as bright as before.]
-- very good. Very good. [His mouth is dry, and so he swallows.] The roses weren't necessary, but I promise you that I'll take good care of them. I do hope you didn't trouble yourself too much for my sake.
cw: internalized homophobia
His relief is palpable, and when he takes the roses, he doesn't bother stifling a smile. It's wonderful, viewing Eridanus as something other than a living metaphor for his fall from grace. Perhaps everything will be all right after all.]
You look --
[The compliment dies on his tongue. This is still wrong, isn't it? Even if they're not killing people? He shakes his head, stifling the fear. But his smile isn't as bright as before.]
-- very good. Very good. [His mouth is dry, and so he swallows.] The roses weren't necessary, but I promise you that I'll take good care of them. I do hope you didn't trouble yourself too much for my sake.
[He's nailing this flirting thing.]