As much as he'd just treated this day like every other day in a year, Astre always managed to find a way to sneak some feeling into it, more so than he normally did. And each and every time, he couldn't help but be touched by the affection. He loved this boy. He truly did.
And there, he paused, staring down at the tray in his lap as it hit him that he did love the boy. Somehow, somewhere, he had fallen for Astre, not completely but enough that he knew that he couldn't live without the Earl, and that it went farther than just his role in their relationship as the guardian.
After a moment's thought, he reached for one of the tea cups on the tray, not to pick it up, but to let his fingers rest on the handle. "My goodness. Every year you do this for me, even though I remind you you don't need to, and every year you still manage to surprise me. You're so thoughtful."
He sighed then, long and leisurely, with a good morning stretch, then set the tray carefully aside at the foot of the bed, curling his legs up against him so he wouldn't risk jostling it and spilling tea everywhere. As he did, he shifted, turning more toward Astre, and held out his arms, inviting the Earl closer. "Come here, my dear. Let's have a hug first, yes?"
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timeasmymeasure
he does
Date: 2021-03-31 05:43 pm (UTC)And there, he paused, staring down at the tray in his lap as it hit him that he did love the boy. Somehow, somewhere, he had fallen for Astre, not completely but enough that he knew that he couldn't live without the Earl, and that it went farther than just his role in their relationship as the guardian.
After a moment's thought, he reached for one of the tea cups on the tray, not to pick it up, but to let his fingers rest on the handle. "My goodness. Every year you do this for me, even though I remind you you don't need to, and every year you still manage to surprise me. You're so thoughtful."
He sighed then, long and leisurely, with a good morning stretch, then set the tray carefully aside at the foot of the bed, curling his legs up against him so he wouldn't risk jostling it and spilling tea everywhere. As he did, he shifted, turning more toward Astre, and held out his arms, inviting the Earl closer. "Come here, my dear. Let's have a hug first, yes?"