Ah, to be genuinely worried about ( despite it being from a former enemy ), it wasn’t unpleasant in the slightest. In fact, it was now the former duke that felt somewhat flustered. The worrying from his attendants and underlings had always been fake after all - rather, from most of them. And for once in his life, he felt like he didn’t have to hide any of it. A smile showed itself on his lips, fangs poking out between just slightly - a smile that held a warmth that Dumas himself hadn’t felt in many years.
“It’s quite alright, you don’t have to. I’ve managed to pull through for about two centuries now.” Uncrossing his arms, a few steps towards Lucian were taken - careful to not invade his personal space too much. “And your company is worth more to me than any peaceful silence I can get.” Then, taking a gentle hold of one of the swordsman’s hands, Dumas bowed down deeply before placing a small kiss on the back of said hand ( a humble gesture and thank you ).
Lucian’s reluctance to offer his kindness was obvious after all, even if he meant well. And the former duke wouldn’t dare push the other so much, not at a too fast and forced pace.
Seeing that smile, Lucian lets out a small wheeze, almost involuntarily- somehow, despite his supposed hatred for that face, it was quite endearing. Just maybe, that was something he’d like to see more often? Almost immediately, the furrow in his brow lessens at the thought- how embarrassing. (Perhaps this warmth was just the thrill of the hunt in his heart? Ah, yes, it must be, considering just how he feels when he sees the edges of those fangs. Nothing more.) Even so, trying his absolute best to convince himself otherwise, he can’t help but allow the edges of his lips to turn upwards, just a slight.
“If you say so. But, uh... as someone who needs to talk sometimes, it can really help. Just so you know for later.” He’s so bad at trying to be comforting that it almost hurts- with Ellen or Aaron, it was different. Dumas was someone different who he always had to tread lightly with, not to mention Lucian’s own hesitance to offer the same kindness to him that he would anyone else. Nonetheless, he was trying his best. (Oh, now that he’s closer, it’s much more difficult to deny the Duke’s innate charm...) Rather tellingly, he can’t help but flush, stark against such pale skin.
“I wouldn’t say so, really. I’m kind of an asshole, aren’t I?” Dumas’ hand is cold enough to make him shiver, and he laughs nervously to disguise the tremor in his palm. Yet, before the swordsman can let out a nervous laugh, he instead lets out some kind of guttural noise- probably a result of confusion- before coughing, using a arm to cover his face. “I- uh-” Perhaps it was truly to cover his cough, but more than likely it was also an attempt to disguise his facial expression as well. “Th-thank you?” Frankly, it would be more surprising if he did know what to say.
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