[ it is easy to smile back at richard, and though his words are a little too flowery, it must be the normal way for him — and so charles doesn't call attention to it, just grins and nods, because he does want to help the people here, and if this means he can do it, well, that's just aces —

except then richard gets up, and walks to him, and there's a hand on his cheek, and he blinks in confusion. there is nothing threatening in the move, far from it, one might call it affectionate... but this is richard, and charles might call him many things, but affectionate is not one of them. and yet, as ever, he pushes his own discomfort to the backburner so efficiently not a bit shows in his expression or his movements, summoning up a smile instead. ]

I'm thankful too, for what it's worth. And I — I mean, of course I would. Just... I'd be proud if you could call me your friend, too.