Those few precious moments before Glitch speaks seem to Bagoas like an age; he goes very, very still, eyes searching the other's face for clues as to how he might respond. One second, he's certain he's in the right, only to convince himself the following moment that he's utterly mistaken. It takes an entire lifetime's accumulated patience to stay put, to stay relaxed and pliant and seeming at perfect ease. Perhaps time is in short supply in this new life of theirs, but he can spare as many moments as Glitch needs.

Then he speaks, and the air rushes out of Bagoas alongside a tremulous smile. His eyes shine, his spirits lift to the skies and his heart soars. The more Glitch speaks, the more he feels like dancing.

"Eloquence comes from the privilege of afterthought and contemplation, a privilege I've failed to provide at present," he informs his friend, feeling as though if he could grin any wider his face would split in half.

Shaking his head, he bends it, bringing Glitch's knuckles to his lips for a dry kiss. "There is no need for apologies. Come, teach me to float. I've not the first idea how you manage without giving in to the pull."