[Felix just nods--it has been a long time. But even at the academy, Felix remembered Dimitri's birthday--of course he did. And then he nods again--you're welcome, it says, but he still doesn't speak, because the moment is drawing nearer and he's trying to keep it together.

And then Dimitri's opening the box, and now Felix watches him, standing awkwardly nearby where the prince is sitting and trying not to look like he's watching as closely as he is. But he can only withstand that wide-eyed look for a few seconds before he glances elsewhere, clearing his throat softly.]

...it's...look. This has nothing to do with any...tradition, or our heritage, or...your title, or whatever. Nothing to do with Glenn or my father. It's...just me. Because I want to. Got it?

[This isn't the clearest explanation he could have given, he's aware. He's not sure how to say the rest, though, or if Dimitri needs him to say the rest. ...well, it's Dimitri, so probably. He tries again, though his voice drops to something even quieter:]

I wouldn't...do this if I didn't think you were worth protecting. And I want to apologize. ...you're not a boar, Dimitri. You're...

[He's not sure where to go from there.]

You're not.