[this is nice. italian seems to be as native a language for rafaello as the communication of articulate tawny fingers and little smiles. people have made fun of janus all their life for talking about sensuality as if it's a skill to be metered and measured and increased steadily with use, but janus thinks that's just because those people haven't been paying attention when they meet the rafaellos of the world. there are experts, people for whom these things come fluently.

it makes janus feel safe. like sparring with a talented teacher. you have to be careful, but it's different to fighting for your life; they aren't on a mission, and they trust themself to be able to tell when the other wants something different.] I'm generically American in all the ways they make fun of, [janus says.] English is my first and I'm not too skilled with others. But thank you. I like these eyes all right. I used to have better ones I think.

[more ice cream. they smile.] You're sweet too. Air of mystery and all.