Zechs' smile now was more genuine, a soft sort of expression. "Initially I learned other languages ... to read and write in them, certainly. I also have a great love for books."

He didn't remark on the idea of drinking to forget. He was trying hard not to think about his lover right now - how worried he was about him. He had to be cold right now. Calm. Resolute.

Slowly, Zechs shook his head. With that bit of surprise in his voice, he said in a quiet tone, "You are my guest here, Saguru, and yet you have cooked for my person. You need not apologize."

Zechs wasn't used to people caring for him like this. Noin had done so perhaps on two occasions, back in the academy. And Tyki had done so, obviously.

But Hakuba ... they were hardly more than strangers. Zechs didn't know what to say.