[ Maybe you just don't know how to read ceilings right, Claude. You should try harder.

But he's been staring into his half-empty mug of ale as if it could hold the same secrets and answers for him. Also with about the same amount of luck as Claude, apparently. But he can't help but grin at that not-so-subtle attempt at a diversion. ]

You know, with all this talk of yours, I'm beginning to think you've been feeling left out. I had no idea you were pining after me so much all this time, Claude. [ He props his chin in his palm to grin across the table at the other man. ]