[It is kinda funny to watch Charles's reaction to his gesture. His smile only widens, the grin nearly reaching all the way up to his ears, when he watches the confusion briefly flare up on youth's features. Richard had come to learn very fast since his arrival that some things that he took for granted and proper, such as casual and comradery touching like this, were viewed as weird and baffling. While behavior that would easily have one arrested or worse were deemed as normal.]

A friend? [Richard repeats, tilting his head slightly to side -- as if he was tasting the word in his mouth.] Friendships are the fruit of a hard labor, a sign of trust and respect between two souls. It comes with both great burden and joy. [Which... Is exactly why Richard has never done 'friendships' in his life. Even those who are closest to him have been held at arms length -- either by his status or his own distrustful nature.]

Would you truly be willing to take my hand and invite me to your circle of friendship?