[ it's so rare to see credence so shy, graves supposes. the young man is usually bold, self-assured and at times imperious, much to graves' secret amusement, but it does seem like there is so much more to him that meets the eye, doesn't it? credence is by far one of the more compelling people that has ever come under his care; he draws the eye, captures graves' attentions in ways he knows is dangerous, and his eyes linger on the purse of his lovely, full mouth, the smoke that curls around them, rich and tenuous.

credence looks so much younger now, fair and pale, and he contemplates him for a few brief moments. perhaps he can break some rules; perhaps he can show him what the real world is like -- after all, he is bound to step out of his father's shadow, and this is no reason to keep him hidden.

nobody will find out, he'll make sure of it. ] You're not for anyone to break. [ he says gently, firmly, fixing him with a steady gaze, unwavering in its intensity. ] You're your own man, and I pity the people who make the mistake of underestimating you.

[ because underneath that youthful mask is a man who cannot be discounted, a keen, sharp mind that is capable of so much. he gestures to the door, after. ] Shall we, then? We'll just have to make sure he'll never know.