[a step forward is a step forward, stahn isn't going to complain that the barriers they've broken down only seem to be the case behind closed doors. there are some things that stahn never expects, and one of those things is leon being affectionate where others can see it.

even within the manor, it feels rare to get anything but an unacknowledged grasp of the hand—and that's around people who are all fully aware of the circumstances (considering if anyone hadn't figured it out before, when stahn started sleeping in leon's room every night was a pretty clear indicator). stahn doesn't need it, and he doesn't expect it. he's perfectly content with stolen kisses when nobody is looking and doubling up on those affections once they're alone.]

Me too. [just to confirm that there's no complaints at all. there's nothing that even hints at disappointment or wanting to go anywhere.

stahn really is content to stay home.]

I think I'd be fine with just staying like this all day, if we could. [he'd be fine not even leaving the room if he had a say.]

But I'm sure Marian probably prepared something for you too. [she usually does when he returns from long missions, and he doesn't doubt that she probably picked up quickly on things based on how he entered the home.]