[Being a proud believer in #poetlyfe, he avoids going out in direct sunlight much more than necessary - which is of course whenever he can't get out of it, but the point is his lifestyle sees him in the shade or inside entirely more often than not. Even with that, he pales noticeably at the word "crush."

Crush. Yes. That was what she would do to him. It obviously isn't the other meaning of the word. He's had fun catching up on slang and colloquialisms for what they can add to his work, but maybe he could've gone without this one. He doesn't lean back, though - he could never let his discomfort show that obviously, that'd be too inelegant, but... he can still feel the blood draining from his face. How embarrassing. He must look like an idiot.]

I don't think -

[No, no.]

How ridiculous... That an animal could have any feelings for me is laughable. You are her master as well as mine; who does it fall upon to care for her?