[ The part that's unsaid - Claude hears it loud and clear all the same and confirmation of that can be found in the smile on his own face considering that yes, that extends just as easily to Steve in return. Something far better to focus on above anything else when there's plenty of time to consider everything which might follow another time.
Better to hold his glass up in the briefest cheers after Steve finishes his drink to drain his own glass and then glance over to the bar. An old habit to clean up after himself from all those shifts not long after first arriving before he'd branched out into other ventures, but it'll be quick enough to do as he holds a hand out for Steve's empty glass as well. ]
You're right again, even if I would've counted doing chores around here as some of the things more on the 'worse' side. Can't say that now, but it's good to know that I can count on you to sort through it all with me. Thanks for always being there, Steve.
[ Though it starts out teasing, there's no lack of sincerity in the last part. Claude could wax poetic about that for a bit, but: on this occasion, it feels right to leave it as a simple statement with the weight of the sentimentality within it. No need for something overwrought lest it seem like it's not to be believed or obscuring something else, rather than the simple truth that Steve is a close friend, a shoulder to lean on through the difficult times they've shared or otherwise, and most importantly - someone he trusts more than he can truly find the right words to say. ]
we can wrap here or on yours if that works!
Better to hold his glass up in the briefest cheers after Steve finishes his drink to drain his own glass and then glance over to the bar. An old habit to clean up after himself from all those shifts not long after first arriving before he'd branched out into other ventures, but it'll be quick enough to do as he holds a hand out for Steve's empty glass as well. ]
You're right again, even if I would've counted doing chores around here as some of the things more on the 'worse' side. Can't say that now, but it's good to know that I can count on you to sort through it all with me. Thanks for always being there, Steve.
[ Though it starts out teasing, there's no lack of sincerity in the last part. Claude could wax poetic about that for a bit, but: on this occasion, it feels right to leave it as a simple statement with the weight of the sentimentality within it. No need for something overwrought lest it seem like it's not to be believed or obscuring something else, rather than the simple truth that Steve is a close friend, a shoulder to lean on through the difficult times they've shared or otherwise, and most importantly - someone he trusts more than he can truly find the right words to say. ]