"I do not claim to know the social intricacies of this world or yours," Balthier agrees carefully. Something in David's response reminds him of David talking about dresses. "But if it's something you want to explore, I am more than happy to cover you in jewelry. There are faux earrings as well, that don't pierce, but they tend to be larger. I started with small studs."

While jewelry is more common in his world, he still wears more than others, and he's still had some struggle with presenting much more queer than other men.

David's response to the story gets a weak smile, and he squeezes the other man's hand. "I fully believe that you would, and you have my thanks." It is surprisingly soothing to hear that. Even if he hasn't shared the more shameful parts. The parts that make it clear that the failure was on him. That all he did was run from his father to some other authority who could hurt him. That he never learned to pick people. That despite his charm and assertiveness, he's a gullible mess.

What does that matter? He's picked David now, and David is wonderful. And he doesn't want David to see that pathetic boy.

He does not catch his own hypocrisy.