Adrien paused. What was such a simple act for himself was another of the thousands of knives that Val had to keep lodged in his chest. He felt some of the pain, as well. "If it's for that reason, you don't need to pretend anymore", he said. "Not around me".

The shimmer of the fireplace lit and concealed the strange smile on Val's face. "Thank you", he whispered. "But it's alright. When I accepted your apprenticeship, I despised the thought of needing this disguise... but over time, I've grown to appreciate these times when we eat together. It is as if time is marked and decorated by these moments... honored, rather than interrupted. I've found myself looking forward to sharing meals with you. It used to be a lie, but it has now become a truth. Now, I would never want to lose it".

Adrien smiled quietly to himself, and he had to lower his gaze in front of such warm kindness. He couldn't find it in himself to say it, and he couldn't grasp for words as beautiful, but he was just as glad for what they shared, and he too loved these moments; and all moments, as long as he was at Val's side.