Michael
*Hearing her proposal on exchanging some of there strengths, he had a few, and entrusted the woman before him. She did give him safety, and allowed his recovery from that form rather than leaving him behind where he laid. Her statement that she would not hate him, made him feel assurance... He was a demon, and she didn't bring herself to disdain him. For being a creature of darkness, this was the second time anyone had been generous with him, disregarding of what he was, or his illuminating darkness.* 

"I am... Combatively analytic." 

*He stated, yet the desire weighed on his heart to ask her something. He looked anxious at first, before letting out a sigh. He would at least attempt to ask this question, since there would be no harm in it. It was small conversation, or questions that would deem normal to identifying the individual. He picked up the cup of tea once more, about to sip, with his question now out from his throat.* 

"What... Is your favorite pastry?" 

*It did deviate off topic, but he didn't intend to do so. He wondered for a moment if she could help him train his magic, after all she was a witch. Yet he wouldn't make such a request so early, wanting to mend the tree first, aid her in some way, before making any requests of the sort. Even if he was isolating himself from Noctis for a bit, he knew he'd return to him. He wanted to protect those he cared for, and people like her to exist within this world. Even Noctis, his comrade. 

To him, these people had value, they weren't scum, he wouldn't abuse them. Whether it be kindness, or generosity he wanted to protect those that he deemed worthy of living. He sipped his tea, not making a single slurp. He began to stare at her hair, its pink color was quite alluring. He began to realize a few things, and the realization made him slowly grow nervous. Why did he want to ask such questions to her? Why was his hearts feeling this way?*

*The palpitations he felt was of no adverse reaction, it made him sweat a little. He was perplexed at this emotion, it wasn't like his first encounter with Noctis, nor there journey together... It was none of that. He thought it was something bad, and was trying to reject it entirely.*
Orlando
"Analytic? You'd do well in the selling business then." *Esme chuckles as she pours herself a small cup of water.*

*Of course Esme is doing all she can not to show just how shy she is about the situation. On occasion she struggles to make eye contact. Though it is subtle, not once are her hands not busy. They have to be, otherwise she'll begin stuttering over her words again. That is a situation best left avoided. She just can't help but think it and due to this, she delays in responding to his question.*

"My favorite pastry... Hm..." *She hums to herself, slowly sipping on her water as her eyes dance to the ground.*
"I don't have one. But I do love chocolate chip cookies. They are simple yet challenging to make given their ingredients."

*She then smiles at him, unaware of his distrust. Of course it is to be expected, Esme is a witch and she has dealt with it before. So even if she did know, she wouldn't take offense to it. The tea smells like lavender tea, nothing foul at first glance. Is it magic? Most likely not. She hasn't been seen casting a spell and the aura radiating off of her is quite minimal. At least minimal for a witch of her caliber.*

"Is... Is something the matter?" *She follows up, noticing his stare. Esme then looks off to her side, wondering if maybe caught his eye before she begins to nervously finger comb her hair.*
Michael
*His eyes began to remained on her facial features. Chocolate chip cookies... He'll remember that. Her notice of his behavior, made him jump a little. Her nervousness made him concerned a little. He wasn't going to do anything, rather, he opened himself up a little. The words that would trickle from his lips, made him slowly turn red.* 

"I... Don't know what I'm feeling... This sensation... Different."

*He shook his head before finishing his tea, believing that what he was feeling was something dangerous. He thought it was his dark power wanting to take control. That was not the case at all, it was something else. Instinctively, he brought his hand to his face. His right hand pressing and pulling against his cheek. Trying to wipe off this sensation he was feeling on his face.* 

"What do you like to do in your spare time?" 

*He couldn't remove his gaze off of her mesmerizing face. He seemed quite allured by every detail. He maintained seating, looking from a distance. Like a flower. Something within him compelled him to ask these sorts of questions. The hues she can see on his cheeks were that of red, rosiness yet mixed with darkened skin. Similar to having a fever, but that wasn't true. Rather, he was not ill. His abilities is what he speculated to be the cause of this. He felt frustration grow within him, this feeling that he had never felt before was causing difficulty to even speak. He couldn't look away, feeling charmed. He wanted to do something to rid of this feeling, he couldn't accept it, as he didn't comprehend it. The sensations of warm, spreading throughout his chest, he then continued.* 

"I... Can't... Why am I... Feeling this?" 

*He looked to be struggling, looking bothered. Caused by the mixture of happiness and desire. Finally, after a few moments of continuous staring, that of no glare, he finally broke his gaze off her. He felt some slight relief, with his head turning to look away. Shameful in his behavior.*
Orlando
"Sensation?" 

*Esme grows increasingly concerned and her eyes flicker down towards the tea cup. Lavender tea is a soothing naturally. But there are the rare times where one is allergic to it. But he can seem to breath just fine, just a bit heavier than he was before. So Esme pours Valac a cup of water, promptly passing it over towards him and coming to a stand to open the window nearby the table so that he may get fresh air. Was it the haze? No, according to Sweet Tooth it hadn't touched him yet. So she isn't worried about that affecting and causing possible mana instability.*

"Huh? Oh... I... Uhm..." *Esme starts, still prioritizing the man's health than really playing into small questions.* 
"I make potions, I dance and play the lyre- Mister Carnifex."

*Then Esme springs into action as she sees him burning up. Of course the actual reason behind Valac's flustered state seem to completely fly over her head. It is not that she is naturally oblivious. But he hasn't been stable since he woke up and Esme would rather check off actual ailments than a possible growing crush. So she quick steps forward, leaning in and pressing a hand on his forehead. Yes, it invades his personal space and normally she wouldn't do this. But even as he pulls his eyes away, Esme is back in view again. Her soft pink lips turned into a small frown, worried for his health even if it was brought on by her.*

"You are burning up. Drink the water. Is your throat closing? Are you allergic to lavender at all?" 

*The smell of rosemary is stronger now that she is close and the fragrance is likely intoxicating. Whether or not it is true that rosemary wards off demons. The smell is quite sweet and where normally it would be subtle on Esme as to not assault the nose. Standing within a few feet of her and the fragrance is quite noticeable. She now stands in wait for a response, holding onto the cup of water with Sweet Tooth standing right behind her.*

"Red! Red! Turn cherry! Red!" *The little wisp shouts.*
Michael
"Just call me Valac."

*His tone was extremely mellow, once she had approached him. Putting her hand over his forehead, his hearts began to beat loudly. He was flustered, he shook his head. He took the water, yet the breathing in his nose was a bit erratic. He hummed in glee, almost a squeak escaping from his lips. He didn't have an allergic reaction to the lavender... Actually, he had no allergies whatsoever. The little wisps remark of his face turning as red as cherry. That statement pointing out his flushed look made him embarrassed. His face looked of concern. His thoughts were slowly racing, the desire within his body, that darkness seemed to pool up on his forehead. The mark growing, but there was of no hostility, rather he was trying to suppress the humiliation he felt. It was too overwhelming, and he tried to cover his face with his hands.*

"S-shush..." 

*His eyes were staring into hers. His body wanted to do something, and therefore it did, or try to. He brought his hands up, his index fingers curling out, as if pointing. His attempt was to poke her cheeks. Finally a whisper slipped from his lips, and he couldn't help but say it. It was instinctive, and it was difficult to control. He was applying resistance, before his dark mark that spiraled around on his forehead completely shrunk. He sounded as if he was trying to suppress his voice rather than try forcing it out.*

"Must... Protect..."

*His hands trembled a little, still reaching out toward his face, pointing before giving up his futile resistance. What was within had a stronger desire than containing a conservative attitude. Maintaining rational thought, his fingers now tenderly pressing against her cheeks. The look he made on his face was of a delirious smile. His mind was fully recovered, and he couldn't resist a... Unique urge. Something that contrasted what was dark, one can assume the desire was salacious, but instead this is what he really wanted.*
Orlando
"Eh!?" *The little wisp gasps as it is told to sush. Sweet Tooth was only pointing out what it saw. So why is it in trouble? Like a pouting child, it folds its arms, plopping itself on the ground in a seated position. As it finds Valac's treatment unfair. Murmuring the words over and over again. This visitor didn't even come with candy. How cruel.*

*While Sweet Tooth complains to itself about Valac's lack of a gift, she has bigger worries to be concerned over. She initiatively pulls back her head slightly, though not enough to completely seperate herself from Valac. Her brow furrow in confusion, she seems to not know what to make of the gesture. Then the mark swirls and briefly her hands produce a faint glow. Then it completely fades, causing Esme to be distracted temporarily. That's when she feels her cheek get poked and her eyes slowly move downwards to see his extended arm paired with the smile, as unnerving as it is.*

*Silence, Esme is flabberghasted. She knows not what to make of this nor does she know how to comment. Like a deer caught out by hunters, the witch is frozen. Valac's movements, his words, have made very little sense to her. Though she can tell there is a darkness that surrounds him. It is simply at a disadvantage by being around her. So in theory, it should call for him to at least retreat in some way. Yet instead... He pokes her cheek? For a second she stammers as she collects herself. Slowly pulling away as small strands of her strawberry hair grace against his fingertips.*

"What are you doing?" *Esme asks, puzzled but even slightly defensive. There still is no malice in her eyes, but she is definitely being careful.*
Michael
*He soon realized what he had tone, he was trying to formulate thoughts, trying to comprehend what he did, but at the same time he can't help but having to answer truthfully. He didn't comprehend this emotion he felt. He thought for a moment, his ponder did not take long for him to finally give an answer.* 

"Feeling the squishiness... Must protect..."

*He grew extremely flushed, as he got out of his seat slowly turning around. The words he said, he was completely unaware of his attraction toward her. He thought it was his darkness, but it was both him and what was within. An amplification of what he wanted. He couldn't say the exact sensations he felt, he felt so humiliated and embarrassed at what he did. He wanted to apologize, but instead he shook his head.* 

"Pretend you... Didn't see that... I'm sorry for the strange outburst."

*He was so flushed, as red as a tomato, going from his cheeks all the way up to his ears. His demeanor lacked of any malice nor did he have ill intention. He felt quite bad of what he did, even if it remotely caused no harm, and instead gave him a unusual wholesome craving. He tried to forget about what he had done, he instead though of the objective first, wanting to finish it first before having to continue this conversation.*

"Let's go heal the tree... And remove that corrupted fae..." 

*He thought of the objective now as it proved a distraction from the guilt he felt from doing such a unique interaction with her. It was questionable, but he can tru and explain the sensations he's feeling if she were to question him, but he definitely was conscious at the time. He knew what he did, but he was perplexed as to why he was compelled to do it. What was within wanted to protect her, why it craved to he around her. He was questioning these desire, why it came to be. Yet he couldn't help but feel guilty of his actions, his behavior and desire. He was slightly melancholic, but kept determined to finish the objective at hand.*