[ He grins, unabashedly: ]

Okay, so maybe I'm the one who's the wishful, hopeful romantic. Don't give up yet, he's still in his magic forest journey.

[ It doesn't seem to last with the awkwardness. Swallows something down. ]

I know.

[ Because he's constantly worried about the similarities in his own. He doesn't need to say that as he puts the last pancake down and turns off the pan. ] But I said what I said because for me those are some of the things I love about you. Which means he can't be all bad.

Even if he is a klutz.

[ confused sounding: ]

Yes?

[ gives a startled, amused laugh but doesn't move away ]

You do. For as long as you want me and however that means, you have me.

[ There's a brief spark in the back of his mind about something. He doesn't linger on it as he teases: ]

Well, I know one thing that would make me happy.

[ Opens mouth. ]

[ Closes mouth. ]

[ He could say it. It's Obvious. Instead he blushes and looks away. Grabs his own plate to deflect, ]

Pancakes. Pancakes would make me happy.

What disservice? I'm the one who made them.

[ Thinks a moment and stabs a bite of pancake with his fork and he's a lil cheeky, ] and if you're the one to distract me so they got cold, I wouldn't complain. I'm the only one to offend here.

[ laughing: ]

Always. But maybe not in the kitchen.

[ finishing his bite of pancake, half leaning against the counter. ]

Got any plans today, anyway?

Not really. Gray told me to come by to speak to him, but that can be whenever. We might work on getting some furniture?

[ He shrugs and then offers. ]

You're welcome to stay however long you want.