Jean can practically feel Eliot holding himself back. Squeezing his eyes shut as soon as the man's back is turned, he lets the glass of wine rest on the counter. Out of habit, he holds himself still, focusing on his breath before opening his eyes once more to watch the kitchen light play on the other man's dark hair as he moves about like one of those chefs his mother and sister enjoyed watching on tv.
He looks perfect.
Like the smell of bread before, the sight of Eliot helps Jean manage his fears just enough to soothe the sharpest edges. Maybe he can survive this in one piece. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he watches the meal get ready as Eliot's thoughts move where he cannot follow.
Knowing quite well that he is useless in the kitchen, he finally moves away to the counter to set the table. He may be the most non-magical person Eliot will ever meet, but he is strangely familiar with where all the silverware and glasses should go, his table etiquette far more polished than one would expect from a mere inspector.
Jean is more comfortable with long stretches of silences than most people. It's one of those traits that endear him to no one. It takes him a while to realize that he hasn't said a word for way longer than most people would.
"You know I can practically hear you teasing and pitying me in your head, right? And I'm not even psychic." A small twitch to his lips is the only sign of nervousness. "You're very kind."
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He looks perfect.
Like the smell of bread before, the sight of Eliot helps Jean manage his fears just enough to soothe the sharpest edges. Maybe he can survive this in one piece. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he watches the meal get ready as Eliot's thoughts move where he cannot follow.
Knowing quite well that he is useless in the kitchen, he finally moves away to the counter to set the table. He may be the most non-magical person Eliot will ever meet, but he is strangely familiar with where all the silverware and glasses should go, his table etiquette far more polished than one would expect from a mere inspector.
Jean is more comfortable with long stretches of silences than most people. It's one of those traits that endear him to no one. It takes him a while to realize that he hasn't said a word for way longer than most people would.
"You know I can practically hear you teasing and pitying me in your head, right? And I'm not even psychic." A small twitch to his lips is the only sign of nervousness. "You're very kind."