A small snicker escaped Vince in response to Cass’ comment about auditioning for a play. He had no real interest in it, but he could likely recite much of Shakespeare’s work unprompted. The look that accompanied the comment was less amused however, and Vince tried to hide his own laughter behind a false cough. He knew better than to press this button, lest it ignite Cass’ overthinking. Instead, Vince watched as Cass too pulled on his shoes and noted a distinct shift in the atmosphere.

The sound of a boat coming up the river made green eyes narrow and Vince scanned the horizon line. He couldn't see anything, but there was a definite sound of human interaction. Cass’ response then seemed a bit more on edge than Vince might have liked but he didn’t think much of it, knowing it was best they get back now before their joint absence was noted. Er— further noted, he supposed. Cass seemed to have the same thought and Vince nodded once, in agreement. “Let me go first,” he said. “I can probably sneak in through the back window unnoticed if you come through the front entrance.” His room might have been on the second floor, but there was a single window that Vince knew was generally left unlocked by the hall to the servants quarters nearest the staircase.

Pausing in his calculations, Vince made a little “Hm?” sound at Cass’ inquiry. For a brief, terrible moment he was tempted to make a crude comment about having Cass for dessert, since they had some unfinished business, but Vince swallowed the words down deep. Instead, he tossed a lopsided little grin in his friend’s direction. “Yes, thank you,” he replied. If there was a small blush coloring his cheeks, he ignored it. “And… er, thanks.” Vince made a little gesture between them that was so vague it didn’t mean much of anything. “You know for not… er, for… well.” He paused, realizing he was bumbling. Vince tugged on his last shoe and straightened. Then, turning his full expression on Cass so the big blonde could see the honesty in his eyes, he grabbed the Gryffindor by the shirt front and rocked close to his face. Vince’s voice dropped to a whisper. “For complicating things, for me, one last time.” Then, with a mischievous glimmer behind green eyes, he kissed Cass full on the mouth.

It was a brief little snog, full of too much emotion for Vince to easily tug away, but he did so and then turned tail to trot up the bank before Cass could protest. He was glad for a small break from the intoxication of the big blonde, even if it was only to tidy up.

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