It’s a new place, I think it’s safe to say that we are both out of our element right now. And you don’t have to do anything, all I’ve ever wanted was for you to be yourself. Whatever has changed about you, know that my feelings have not.

[ aaand there he goes apologizing again. it has him reaching out to grab his chin again, to turn his face so he can really get a proper look at him. it’s more than obvious he is searching his face for something.

instead of the oftentimes violent Branlon he has grown accustomed to, this one carefully takes up both of his hands and looks him in the eye. he never raises his voice or sneers at him, but his smile is almost sympathetic. ]

Stop apologizing, Winslow. You may have gotten used to it but you’ve never had anything to apologize to me for as far as I’m concerned. Nothing.

[ the comment about Harold get a snort of laughter out of him after he returns the kiss and he lingers. ]

I’m thirty-five, not ancient, I— [ he was about to say he has several years to go until he reaches that point but he catches himself. thirty-five years is all he will be given. he managed a quick enough save, at least. ] —can’t believe you would lump me in with Harold.

Well, then! [ he rises from his seat, bows and offers him his hand, like a gentleman about ready to sweep his dance partner off their feet. ] Would you fancy going on an adventure with me?