[ funnily enough, as charles smiles back, he has no idea it is the part of him he most strives to keep hidden and under control that is making richard smile at him — that it's the propensity for open rage that richard is proud of, the part that charles himself hates the most about himself.
as richard shifts topics, he tilts his head, listens — but does he believe him? he certainly speaks with confidence... and there must be some truth to what he is saying. charles does believe that much. but whether it's all true? no, jinx had been very clear in her words; there was something there, certainly. but perhaps it was as richard was painting it: ambition, convenience, something else than a genuine connection built on love and respect.
you deserve better, charles thinks, and simply nods. ]
no subject
as richard shifts topics, he tilts his head, listens — but does he believe him? he certainly speaks with confidence... and there must be some truth to what he is saying. charles does believe that much. but whether it's all true? no, jinx had been very clear in her words; there was something there, certainly. but perhaps it was as richard was painting it: ambition, convenience, something else than a genuine connection built on love and respect.
you deserve better, charles thinks, and simply nods. ]
Right — tell him nothing, got it.