[ TO WINFRED ], MEME: ACCEPTING. @banalras said: "I was right to have a crush on you. You (were) a good kisser."
At his most honest reaction, Winfred feels intensely glad he hasn't been in the process of drinking when Arie makes their statement, because he's sure to have choked on it. He nearly regrets he didn't just die on the spot. If only the ground could swallow him whole just now, he'd happily let go of any lingering resentment.
The thing is, he isn't one to be particularly shy about these things. He's had countless of flings and ill-fated romances, so such a bold statement has been said and done; his resume holds a large list that isn't limited to just Val Royeaux's special, after all. Such a thing is best left unsaid, though, in this case.
It's not even the fact that they kissed that gets him; the cut on his lip has already healed and he has long since given up on a notion of something more ever happening between them. The most Fred hoped for was to lessen Arie's resentment of him enough so his letters would get replies before he died.
Rather, it's the hot and cold whiplash that catches him off guard.
“ I'd be happy to confirm my skills again, if you still feel unsure. But hey— are you crazy? ” It's a stupid question. He knows the answer by now. “ What crush? Didn't you say you hated me? Could you, please, for my sanity, pick one and stick to it? I have a weak heart, you know. ”














