The words of Darius were very romantic and Chéri gradually seemed to relax, a little. They enjoyed hearing about beauty, artist expressing what makes them enhusiastic about the world around them, how the different the same thing could appear on different days and used nature as an example, which Chéri could understand very well. They even ended with a clever conclusion and Chéri’s thick eyebrows jumped up briefly impressed “Twice? Really? You are telling me you have seen someone as beautiful as me before?” It was more irony on a compliment they were used to receive on a regular basis rather than an insulted reaction, but Chéri enjoyed playing the prima donna and fake a slightly insulted reaction. Darius appeared like an unending source of curiosity.

And then, their face fell. And Chéri laughed, a strong, too loud laugh that was not trying to be elegant, in fact, maybe it was trying to reassess what their station in life was. And they laughed for the entirely wrong reason. But they did not say. “You do.” Chéri confirmed, slowing down, ready to avoid a strike, in case a jilted fantasy turned into outrage. And then Darius went on talking about Magnus Carrington and Sonia’s misfortune. Chéri nodded lightly, going back to their regular self. They were again light on their feet, stronger and more determined to proceed, but Darius stopped them, to hold their hand. Chéri’s big, green eyes opened wide in a questioning look, that made them look younger and perfectly innocent, while they were actually trying to convey their surprise and such open affection shown towards someone who presented as a man. “I… thank you, sir, I was not there yet when the unfortunate events you heard of were taking place and I am not that familiar with the. Do you have reason to believe I should?” They did not seem bothered by having their hand held into that of a stranger.