[ Time may not always be the friend of romance, but it is the happy companion of slower, deeper things. Balthier has had that with friendship, but never with love. He's unfamiliar with this desire for domestic warmth. But it's there.

Those thoughts immediately derail with David's hot breath on his ear and teasing comment. Balthier was completely unprepared for that change in tone and actually chokes on his tea, which turns into a laughing cough as he tries to clear his lungs. The next response is between gasps as he tries to clear his throat. ]

Well now you've seen me be about as suave as a dying cat.

[ When David does decide to seduce Balthier, he is going to be absolutely helpless. He can at least recover his dignity by teasing back a little. And starting to think about how to get David to be speechless on a future date. He hadn't let himself think about that too much, sink too much into plans that may not materialize, but he's finally discarding the 'ifs.' So long as he can help it, they'll keep seeing each other. ]

You know I never was the kind of student who pictured getting together with the professor, but tonight I'm understanding the appeal.

[ His throat is mostly clear, but his eyes are still a little red from coughing. He sets down the tea and goes to join David. ]