Matthew easily falls abreast of Inigo’s stride once they set off, and he’s careful to match the other’s pace - not too fast, not too slow, in kind with the gentle rhythm of the peaceful evening. He’s possessed of his own brand of cautious optimism, but mostly he’s… he’s curious, despite himself.
He meets his company’s grin in with one that he hopes reflects encouragement - no need to worry on his account. He’s always preferred listening to talking, anyhow.
Glancing skyward, his eyes follow the trail of stars above for a brief interlude as he considers his reply. “I can’t admit to being overly particular about my tea, though I suppose I tend to default to a simple black tea more often than not. Question of habit, really. I’m… not really picky.”
Which was a trait concerning food and drink he’d been berated over on more than one occasion. With a wistful sigh, he shrugs off the memories. “Leaves room to try new things though." Like tea with a perfect stranger. No complaints thus far. "I’ve only tried chamomile and rose of those you mentioned - maybe I’ll give mint or honey-vanilla a shot tonight, with your recommendation? ‘Refreshing’ had such a nice sound to it.”
Then, quirking a brow and smirking in amusement, he really can’t help himself any longer, and with a small laugh he hides behind a loosely curled fist he has to ask:
“Say, is everyone here as friendly to foreigners as you?”
He listens attentively, nodding every so often, as if it was his duty to make only the best recommendation for his company’s tastes. It certainly isn’t, but he’d like to leave a good impression if he could. They might never meet again and perhaps this will just become another hazy memory. However, if Inigo could be the bridge to a new simple pleasure in Matthew’s life, he’d be incredibly happy with that.
“In that case, I’d definitely recommend red rose. It’s a lovely choice, in my personal opinion.”
Meeting the other man’s eyes, he can’t help the small blush that creeps across tanned cheeks as a response to his chuckle. For a second, he fears that he’s done something to clearly embarrass himself without even noticing. But the question that follows brings him relief, so much so as to draw another amused smile from him.
“Hardly, I’d say. Yet, I hold a firm belief that you should be kind to others whenever the opportunity arises. I have been the foreigner and I have been lost. I have had my share of gloomy days when I know something as simple as this --” He gestures toward the both of them. “-- can go quite a long way.”
