[ Midnight bubbles with overjoyed laughter, shaking his head to watch the dust eddy around his head like snow... The pleasant kind, the kind that floats outside while warm things happen inside. ]

No need to apologize. We'll need a bath, nothing more... Well, we'll need to find a bath first. Let's see...

[ Rather reluctantly, but promising a bath with Keita at the end of the road, he gently lifts Keita and stretches his legs outward. Setting Keita to the side, he slips off the plinth, catching himself and testing his balance... He sighs. ]

I'm afraid I can't carry you this time, my love... Bit wobbly after all that sitting, you understand. Lead me to your chambers, and I promise your feet won't touch the ground for the next week, or as long as I can get away with containing you in your bed.

[ He reaches out for Keita. Wobbly as he is, he can at least be a gentleman and help him down from his perch. ]