[fortunately, stahn doesn't need leon to put things like this into words. why would he, when he can read leon so well in utter silence? he sees the slack-jawed stare, and the way his cheeks flush a bright shade of pink that is too vivid to be from the cold air alone. he also sees the way leon looks at him with that apprehensive sort of reluctance.

again, cute.

at least stahn can say the things that leon isn't so good with.]

Mm! I feel warmer already. [he squeezes leon's hand lightly, but shifts a bit to lace their fingers together comfortably—it's even warmer that way, so stahn finds it better. besides... it just feels like they're closer that way, somehow.]

It's almost too bad it's not this cold in Darilsheid. [stahn, what.

that's an odd statement coming from stahn, who dislikes the cold. but he's going to say something that is honestly... well, a bit bold, considering the approach they've been taking to their budding relationship thus far. but there's a playful smile on his lips.

he just likes this, okay?] It'll be harder to do things like this if it's so warm.

[not that stahn has an issue openly holding hands, of course. but he knows that leon wouldn't take well to that, especially not in darilsheid of all places. leon's not a guy that's totally unknown to the world; he's a prodigal knight of seinegald, after all. stahn can't even blame him for it, but still...

there's something exciting about being able to hold hands while breathing in the crisp outdoor air. it almost feels like it's a once in a lifetime opportunity right now.]