Rose ate, but did look at his face. "Sorry." She muttered as she tasted her own cakes. "They're a bit hard... I'm not a very good cook." She blushed.

Elijah smiled and powered through eating a piece. "It's fine. You cooked for me, and I'm grateful. I will make sure I eat them all."He was already thinking on how he could put them in a pudding or to make a crust. "Maybe one day we should try to cook together. It might be a good learning experience for us both."

"That would be nice!" Rose said, perhaps a bit to eagerly. Was it obvious that she was miserable and lonely? "I'm glad you are my friend."

Elijah matched her enthusiasm and nodded. Perhaps they both were lonely sometimes. "Fantastic. I'm excited about this." He nodded happily. "I'm glad you're my friend too, Rose."

Rose looked at him happily, blushed, and then took his hand again.

Elijah smiled but then slightly became nervous when she didn't let go. But she knew he wasn't interested,right? He'd made it clear he wasn't marrying anyone. He didn't want to say anything as it might feel like a slap in the face if she just wanted to feel a connection. He really hoped it wasn't making something worse that he didn't pull away his hand.

Rose looked up, but when Elijah didn't make eye contact she quickly withdrew and picked up her cup, holding it with both hands and looking at the liquid intently.

Elijah tilted his head and glanced towards her. "Everything.. alright?"

"Yes! Of course!" She quickly said, looking up miserably. "Are you?"

What was with that face? Elijah frowned in worry. "Please don't lie to me, Rose. Something is clearly wrong, can you please tell me? I'm here for you."