"I'm sorry," Davin says uncertainly, but James doesn't necessarily seem bothered by the fact. "Maybe if ya sleep in your own room, it'll settle?"

Davin frowns though, because he suddenly finds that he hates that idea. He doesn't want to be separated from James at all if he doesn't have to be, and that's such a sudden and somewhat overwhelming realization. "If ya want to, I mean."

He's blushing and he looks at James shyly from under his lashes, and then he stands up and places his napkin on the table as they exit the room together. "That was my thinkin'. I've never met your father, obviously, but he doesn't exactly have the best reputation. Ya may be able t'avoid him until the ball, if we're careful."

Somehow the servants beat them to the room, and they enter to see them setting up dessert. Someone has lit a small fire in the fireplace and Davin looks around, noting how warm and comfortable everything looks. One of the servants gives him another look as they leave, but it's more curious than unkind, and Davin smiles as they shut the door.

"This is better," he says with a happy sigh, taking James' hand and leading him into the room. "Jus' you an' me."