Yes? I think I've been in your company long enough to make an assessment?

[an enforced hug-a-thon will do that - even if Linneus was the one doing most of the talking. Gokudera doesn't need to know that he's done far more with people he's known far less.]

At least let me make the offer? If you like, you can take me up on it. If not, I understand.

Here, this is the address, so to speak.

[It's strange for an address to be inside of a building, but he sends along the details anyway]

I'll try and find something you can hold.

[his teacups might not be much use with Gokudera's... finger-toes.]

A teacup.

[do people not... commonly receive guests where Gokudera is from?]

I didn't... make that clear enough, did I?

I apologise. Our customs must be different - I was taught always to properly receive guests. But I know things are more... relaxed, here.

[well if that's not the weirdest knock he's ever heard...! But it makes sense, given the circumstances. He settles the kettle down on the stove, making the short distance over to open the door]

Ah - please, do come in.

[he looks a little different to last time - fallow markings dappling his skin at the temples and the sides of his neck, that Gokudera can see. His eyes... are also dark, when on their first meeting Gokudera might have been close enough to see that they are usually bright blue.

He is certainly not as encumbered as his companion, though - he might have had it far worse. A delicate gesture to the small sitting area]

Please - usually I would prepare a tea set but I imagine that would be cumbersome with your... condition. But I have other crockery and china so I think we can make do.

[indeed, he's laid out a fair assortment of receptacles of various shapes and sizes. Lingering, once he has seen Gokudera inside and closed the door behind him-]

...have you any preference over tea or coffee?

You're quite welcome.

[Heavens, but he does smell good. There's a little incline of his head, a sort of half-bow of his own. Not commenting on the feet - but the token effort is appreciated]

I'll prepare it. There's some crockery set out there - try holding them and let me know which is easier? If not we may need to rethink...

[though Linneus has laid out a few mugs (somehow, he has ended up with mugs) and bowls ranging from Japanese tea-cup to cereal-bowl size. Hopefully - hopefully - one of them will work?

One of the nicer things about this 'apartment' is that the kitchen and sitting area are all one space - he doesn't like to shout across the room, but he hardly needs to as he brings out the cafetiere and finds it a place on the tray, with the tea-things.]

Do you like it quite strong?

Usually.

[another of those nods - this time, though, it's to hid his smile at the sight of the boy with his tail in his mouth. Linneus hope he keeps his floors quite clean, but he won't make assumptions as to Gokudera's reasons.]

Well, then I hope I can make it to your liking...! But if your tastes are changed you must tell me!

[He'll make it like he would for Xanthe, then. There will be sugar on the tray for his tea - ah , he should make sure he fills a little jug with cream, too - he leaves the coffee beans swirling in the cafetiere while he retrieves it, and then sets to filling the teapot, lining up the tray...

Mmm. He would usually arrange biscuits for one to take as they pleased. Perhaps individual selections will be a little easier?]

Have you found anything that fits? [as he settles the tray down, kneeling for a moment] I think they are all thick enough that they shouldn't grow too hot to hold, but there are napkins there. They might make the grip harder, though.

[it's cute. It's. So cute. But Linneus is at least trying to keep his expression level as he gets the tray settled]

Mmm - I'll put aside the others, then.

[and then he can deal with the coffee.]

I am... very much going against all of my instincts... [as he only partly fills the cup, adds a little of the cream] But please know I would still rather they shatter than you end up with hot coffee all over you - that would be awful. I know first moons are generally difficult enough in the first place...

Generosity. I wouldn't want you to feel like you are getting less - you're my guest, and I promise there is more of anything. I confess, though, I'm not sure how to manage the biscuits...!

[plates will be hard to hold, biscuits hard to pick up. He might have to think of something else in the future. A gentle smile, though, as he sets down the cup for Gokudera.]

My moon sometimes gives a... nervousness that gets the better of me, from time to time. I hadn't anticipated it the first few times I was outside - I'm not used to wandering alone in the first place - and I found myself bolting from loud noises to shelter myself. It is... easier for me in my own home

[and it's easier to speak as he pours his own tea. He would wish to wait for Gokudera's approval, but he's not sure the boy would like to be stared at, so it serves as a decent enough distraction as well.]

Mmm.

[a little nod, setting down the pot and reaching to add sugar]

The homes here - these apartments - they are largely for two or more, when one first arrives. But not many of those I have known have stayed an extended period of time. Those who have... they have their own friends from home. I would not intrude on that...

[sitting back on his heels a moment]

So I managed to find myself somewhere. I was raised in a large house, so it's strange to not always have someone I may talk to. But I'm proud to have a home of my own - it's not something I've had before.

...is it all right?

It's not. I miss having others around me, just someone to talk to and share with at the end of the day. Not to say it has to... come to me, as it were - I don't mind being out among people; it's not a freedom I ever had before. But when my moon makes me as I am...

[a little gesture to his surroundings before he settles into a chair himself]

...it is easier to be at home. It's simple and small but it is better than being startled out in public and taking off before my wits can catch up to me!

[...he may give the impression that this has happened at least once before, though it is likely quite at odds with what Gokudera has seen of Linneus thus far.

Rewording his question from earlier-]

Is the coffee all right?

Mmm - maybe not all the time, but during the moons, yes.

[he nods with the acknowledgement that the coffee is acceptable - he can be 'off-duty' for a moment, then, sliding his feet from his slippers and bringing them up to one side as he settles with his cup]

I confess, I tend to struggle with surprises in the first place, but the moons make me quite headless about it. I promise I've decent enough sense not to make an absolute exhibition of myself otherwise...!

You said 'couch potato'? I know the words, but I don't know this term...