"Well, that proves my point, doesn't it?" Raju's hand lifts off from Francis' leg just long enough to gesture broadly in the air, then sets itself down again. "None of that's beauty, that's... everything else. The hands are close, I suppose, but all the rest— you're a romantic, Francis."
Raju says it with a grin, pleased with himself like he's caught his friend out. "Grooming and hair and fine clothes are the afterthought, and you're writing odes to wit and laughter and bravery. I suppose it isn't much of a surprise, I should have expected to see that romantic heart in a man like you." The self-satisfaction in Raju's smile is softening with fondness around its edges and his hand rubs its place on Francis' thigh a little, the gesture meant to soften his teasing. Because it is teasing, but it would be terrible if Francis thought Raju didn't see him all the more warmly for it.
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Raju says it with a grin, pleased with himself like he's caught his friend out. "Grooming and hair and fine clothes are the afterthought, and you're writing odes to wit and laughter and bravery. I suppose it isn't much of a surprise, I should have expected to see that romantic heart in a man like you." The self-satisfaction in Raju's smile is softening with fondness around its edges and his hand rubs its place on Francis' thigh a little, the gesture meant to soften his teasing. Because it is teasing, but it would be terrible if Francis thought Raju didn't see him all the more warmly for it.