[the offer earns another smile from him, and he holds up the plate of cakes.]

If you'd like, I'm not going to turn down help. Ah, do you like any cream or sugar in your tea?

[he doesn't think he recalls the taller man using any, but he'll ask anyway, since he's right here. and then there's that smirk, which he returns with a warm, faintly shy smile.]

I would happily model it for you regardless of input, you know. [take that, self-worth--wait.] But yes, I would be happy to hear your thoughts. Perhaps after tea and your gifts?