Reflexively Raju's expression goes blank at the sound, which lasts just long enough for Raju to actively decide to keep his face still that way; Francis has only just started to thaw, only just touching and looking at him again and explaining instead of blaming himself for ruining something that doesn't exist, and the last thing they need--

And then Francis laughs and amusement curls over Raju's face a second after, with relief mixed into it. As tense as Francis is, or maybe was, laughter is a wonderful sign. "Is it the hiccups bothering you, then?" Raju asks, moving the hand under Francis' to rub his thumb over Francis' lips, tracing the shape of the smile as he'd laughed. "Or the attention? I was enjoying both, but if you aren't..."

He trails off and then smiles a little, tentative and teasing. "Well, I don't know. I suppose I could close my eyes and pretend I'm not paying any attention to you."