But looking pretty and being extra exasperating already gets me so much.

[ With a bat of his eyelashes at the other man, he goes for teasing rather than serious this time, even though Claude's words send a faint rush of pleasant heat through him. It's a nice change from the chilled sense of dread that's been lingering under his skin for days now. ]

At the very least, now I know I rank higher than Holst in your affections. I'll take comfort in that. Besides. I should have known you'd be one of those who enjoy making your partner beg.