"Noticed that, did you."

"Yeah. No idea what to do about it - we could hide a lot of people, but with the me that'll just make it obvious we're hiding something, scare him worse -"

"Are you fishing for advice on how to convince him if you ever get him again - fuck you -"

"Do you prefer I leave after all, that's fine -"

"It does not make a difference if you're in the fucking room or not!"

"Okay. Sorry."

"They're making a butterfly planet to connect worlds to."

"Lovely."

"We could connect the dead babies world if you want!"

"Is there a compelling in-scenario reason to consult me on that."

"I'm mostly just making conversation, actually."

"Mmhm."

"We'll let you read."

So he picks up his book again.

And they leave.

Elsewhere he's idly digging a groove into his desk. "Thank you."

"Of course." Snuggle. "I hope she's helpful."

"Do you think it's true? That I'm not living up the potential -"

"Yes," he says instantly. 

"Wouldn't it be an insult if I thought this was the best you were capable of being?"

"Stop being clever with me, Findekáno, all of this is terrifying."

"I can scarcely imagine."

"Kiss me and stop talking."

He has gotten very expressive with his eyebrows.