The last thing Bazel expected was for Emris to come in his study in the middle of the night. Of course, Bazel had offered, being in a new place would be hard and he'd heard company helped but he hadn't expected for Emris to actually show up. Much less for him to look so worked up and out of breath. Had something happened? The witch didn't come into Bazel's part of the castle...or more accurately couldn't, so it couldn't be that. Even if Emris had a run in with her the necklace would protect him from her magic. So what was it? Was it simply Emris' discomfort with small spaces? Bazel had noticed it before when they'd been down in the tunnels but it hadn't appeared to be that bad then. Certainly not bad enough to cause Emris' reaction. Then again they'd been together so perhaps that had mitigated some of the fear. Especially the second time when Bazel had distracted him by speaking. Perhaps he should find a different way for Emris to get around if it caused him such distress. Bazel didn't want Emris to have to go through that more than necessary, but how to bring it up? He didn't want the other man to be upset with him.<br/><br/>So distracted by Emris' discomfort he almost forgot his own state of dress. Due to the hour, one in which no one would normally be awake, Bazel had bathed and hadn't bothered to dress properly. His hair was down, free from the cord that had held it back, and framed his face. It didn't do much outside of making him appear even softer or, as many would tease behind his back, more feminine. However, Bazel hadn't put on a proper shirt. The thin white undershirt he wore had the laces at the collar undone exposing his not just his neck, which was an unseemly display, but also his collar bones and part of his chest. If that hadn't been bad enough it also displayed the rather nasty scar on his neck. The mark of being mauled by some type of animal. Then there were all freckles, soft golden flecks that caught the glow from the Sundrop plants and glittered like bits of sun in his skin. The soft breeches he wore clung to close to his body, but they were the most comfortable pair he owned.<br/><br/>If that wasn't enough there was the way Emris' hair was clinging to him. The flush across his face from exertion and...the man was already too attractive for Bazel's peace of mind and then he came in looking like that and truly didn't Bazel already have enough to worry about? He was surprised enough when Emris hadn't at least treated him with contempt for being what nearly everyone would describe as an abomination. But he couldn't expect that would continue if Bazel was caught responding to what he saw. If he didn't keep himself under control contempt might be the least of his worries. After all, perhaps Emris was fine, or at least could tolerate, Bazel's interest in his own sex so long as Emris was not the subject of such interest.<br/><br/>"N-no need to apologize," Bazel said, his face flushed red, "I told you that you-that you're more than welcome to come here any time. I was simply going ov-over some notes I'd written. No-nothing that requires a great deal of focus..."<br/><br/>By Yher's staff, why did he have to stammer like that? Then again it wasn't like it was much different from his normal speech patterns with Emris, so perhaps he wouldn't notice. Perhaps he'd also assume that the blush was entirely because of his own state of dress.<br/><br/>Bazel quickly did up the ties on his shirt, the lace of his collar once more covering his neck. There was little else he could do about his clothing...not unless he wanted to stand up which Bazel most certainly did not. His desk was currently blocking his lap and he intended to keep it that way until he got himself back under control. Reaching for something to say he glanced around his desk and spotted the tray of food that he'd intended to be his dinner, though he hadn't touched any of it. It would be a shame to waste it so he gestured to it, "I-uh...I'm unsure if you're hungry but if you are you can help yourself. It's just a platter of cold cut meats, cheese, and bread but there's a bit of variety so perhaps you'll-you'll find something there that will be to your liking,"<br/><br/>The prince tried to take most of his meals in his room. Though tomorrow he doubted he'd be able to get out of dinner. Which of course meant dealing with the witch. He wished in the least he wouldn't have to sit by her. Or she'd keep her hands to herself. Though he disliked thinking of the woman he had to admit that thoughts of her were like ice water and brought his current problem under control.<br/><br/>"Is...Is there anything I can do for you or?" And he wanted to kick himself. Why couldn't he hold a conversation or speak like a normal person? It wasn't as though he didn't want Emris there but..."I-I mean...it's not as though I don't enjoy your company, but it is late and..."<br/><br/>With a groan, Bazel gave up and dropped his head to his desk. Wishing the ground would open up and swallow him. Or the small bell-shaped Sunglow flowers that hung from vines along the domed glass ceiling weren't so bright. Anything to hide his awkwardness.