Numair's heart, then, quite literally skipped a beat. He placed a hand over it, momentarily confused by the reaction. Hawk didn't seem to notice that, but continued, "Look, I really don't think I'd be much use to yet project. But..."

He paused, another smile crossing his face, wry this time. "Y'know...maybe it'd be good for me to, uh, try an' be an idealist too."

"Hmm?" Numair looked up at him in surprise. "Are you saying...you'll help??"

"W-wull, I wanna run all this by Vlad first," Hawk said hastily, holding up a hand. "Jus' t'get the opinion of another Aetherian."

"Of course!"

"But if he thinks it sounds okay..."

Almost instinctively, Numair clasped the hand that Hawk was holding up, unable to help the smile spreading across his face. "Oh, thank you!" he said earnestly. "That's wonderful to hear!"

They both paused then, their eyes falling to Numair's hands clasping Hawk's. Numair cleared his throat and muttered an apology but didn't let go immediately, as Hawk squeezed back very gently, flushing.

It only lasted an instant, though, before Numair snatched his hands back and put them to his head in embarrassment. Hawk let him.

"Well, ah..."

"Y'know," Hawk said helpfully, "I'm feelin' like I could go for a bite to eat. D'ya wanna go get a donut or somethin'?"

"Y-yes!" Numair seized on the suggestion. "My treat, please."

"Only if you let me get the next one."