[Hearing Avicebron put himself down still doesn't sit well with him. He's not sure exactly what he means by it, but his biggest guess would be insecurity about his physical differences. Could it be worries with the prosthetics or whatever he's hiding behind that mask? Zed's not exactly bothered if that is the case, but mostly because there's many similarities between him and his Master. Avicebron's physique is normalized to him. (And it's a plus he doesn't wear an animal skull for a mask.)
Or maybe this is just his way of letting him down easy. Zed thinks he should take the hint (real or not), but...]
I felt comfortable with you. And I didn't really mind the blindfold. [It's a quiet note. One that makes his face even more pink as he stands up and looks away. It feels so awkward to put his thoughts out there, yet it sounds like something Avicebron needs to hear:] I can't say what I do or don't deserve, but I enjoyed it. If it comes to a point where we end up in a similar situation, it won't be something like a last resort or that I find you lesser than others.
[...It feels like his heart is pounding out of his chest.]
[ ... it's good to be young, isn't it. To be earnest and sincere. Not that he was ever so honest as Zed is now. Hearing those words sends a strange prickle through his chest, equal parts nostalgic and pained. Avicebron regards Zed quietly for a moment before speaking calmly. ]
You 'don't mind the blindfold.' Most would have said 'I don't care what you look like.' [ Despite his word choice, it's not criticism, not at all. His tone of voice is softer than usual in that moment before evening back out. ] You're a considerate person, agreeing to my request without question or argument. Even in the heat of the moment, you honored that request. And I feel you should associate with someone of equal integrity.
[ In other words, it's not entirely a matter of appearances. Zed belongs with someone fundamentally better than him.
But Avicebron moves on before Zed can protest, slowly getting to his feet; he pulls the folds of his cloak closer around himself to hide any rips in his clothes. ]
Well, that is only my advice, in the end. If we ever find ourselves in a similar situation again, I doubt I'd be able to turn you away. But for now, it may be best to retire and rest. What do you think?
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Or maybe this is just his way of letting him down easy. Zed thinks he should take the hint (real or not), but...]
I felt comfortable with you. And I didn't really mind the blindfold. [It's a quiet note. One that makes his face even more pink as he stands up and looks away. It feels so awkward to put his thoughts out there, yet it sounds like something Avicebron needs to hear:] I can't say what I do or don't deserve, but I enjoyed it. If it comes to a point where we end up in a similar situation, it won't be something like a last resort or that I find you lesser than others.
[...It feels like his heart is pounding out of his chest.]
no subject
You 'don't mind the blindfold.' Most would have said 'I don't care what you look like.' [ Despite his word choice, it's not criticism, not at all. His tone of voice is softer than usual in that moment before evening back out. ] You're a considerate person, agreeing to my request without question or argument. Even in the heat of the moment, you honored that request. And I feel you should associate with someone of equal integrity.
[ In other words, it's not entirely a matter of appearances. Zed belongs with someone fundamentally better than him.
But Avicebron moves on before Zed can protest, slowly getting to his feet; he pulls the folds of his cloak closer around himself to hide any rips in his clothes. ]
Well, that is only my advice, in the end. If we ever find ourselves in a similar situation again, I doubt I'd be able to turn you away. But for now, it may be best to retire and rest. What do you think?