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[Laughs]
Yes, I imagine he would. He does seem to delight in differences.
Yes, I imagine he would. He does seem to delight in differences.
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Yeah, that's definitely true.
And so, I want to... be able to return that appreciation, for him. One of the first conversations I had with him was post something very much like the mistletoe, only it compelled confessions of love, instead of kisses.
He was, as you might imagine, very distraught. He'd been so sure he'd found someone -- several someones, by the sound of it -- that actually cared for him. So, when they came to their senses and were instead repulsed by him...
[waves hand] I can't help but want to be able to soothe that, in whatever small way that I can. Which is why I cannot truly promise monogamy to anyone else -- and I imagine he'd not want it, besides.
He was, as you might imagine, very distraught. He'd been so sure he'd found someone -- several someones, by the sound of it -- that actually cared for him. So, when they came to their senses and were instead repulsed by him...
[waves hand] I can't help but want to be able to soothe that, in whatever small way that I can. Which is why I cannot truly promise monogamy to anyone else -- and I imagine he'd not want it, besides.
That's actually kind of...sweet. In a weird sort of way.
[Shrugs] Or perhaps merely a selfish impulse. Some days I am not entirely sure.
Like now, for instance.
Like now, for instance.
I'm really not trying to make you feel bad about this. Or trying to force a decision, or anything. I mean--it's not like we're dating, right?
Not as of yet, I don't believe.
And... [reaches out, brushes his hand over your cheek like he could brush that look off your face by doing so] Please, don't feel badly -- if I am deliberating, it's by choice. Please do believe that as Marquis, I am not quite so malleable that I could be forced into making such a ...petty decision, if you'll forgive the term.
And... [reaches out, brushes his hand over your cheek like he could brush that look off your face by doing so] Please, don't feel badly -- if I am deliberating, it's by choice. Please do believe that as Marquis, I am not quite so malleable that I could be forced into making such a ...petty decision, if you'll forgive the term.
No, compared to what you're faced with normally, it probably is petty.
The security of an entire population, or the distribution of foodstuffs to them do not weigh on this decision, it's true.
It is a difficult decision still. The Admiral aside, I don't make much habit of pursuing others, so it would not be a terrible loss to continue not doing so... and you are very charming.
It is a difficult decision still. The Admiral aside, I don't make much habit of pursuing others, so it would not be a terrible loss to continue not doing so... and you are very charming.
And there's that other guy you mentioned.
Right. He's not here, now. But he could be tomorrow, or the day after.
Mm. As you said, nothing lasts forever, I suppose.
You're worried that I would perhaps forget you entirely, in that case?
You're worried that I would perhaps forget you entirely, in that case?
I am capable of thinking of people other than myself, you know.
[BUT HE'S SMILING and clearly not upset]
[BUT HE'S SMILING and clearly not upset]
And there's the apologizing again.
I'm afraid that being polite has been quite firmly ingrained in me.
It must be the noble upbringing.
Mm, well, a very important part of the noble upbringing is the noble pandering to those in power above you.
No, you're correct. You're someone whom I respect; you get more sincere apologies.
More frequent, too.
[shrugs]
But...thanks.
[shrugs]
But...thanks.
I've not a lot of experience, talking to people so casually, you see. I feel as though I am always tripping over myself, and thus, should apologize for my awkwardness.
I guess apologizing too much is better than too little. But...really? The times when you really mess up? When you really need to apologize? They're pretty obvious.
Ah, not to me.
Politics is... very delicate. My father spent a lifetime trying to hone his ability to please the rest of the House of Lords, yet always fell short of their unspoken and -- if you were to ask me, unreasonable -- demands.
I'm not fond of it, but I am not unaware, either.
Politics is... very delicate. My father spent a lifetime trying to hone his ability to please the rest of the House of Lords, yet always fell short of their unspoken and -- if you were to ask me, unreasonable -- demands.
I'm not fond of it, but I am not unaware, either.
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