“Let’s just say that last time we tried to follow one of Aunt Lartia’s recipes, we didn’t have enough Dunmeri alcohol in the house. Which was her house, I might add.” Context is important! Wry jokes aside, his smile at Jim’s surprise is genuine. The dessert he’s lingering over only makes the moment a little sweeter.

Although as Jim speaks, Felix finds himself just looking at the captain with wide eyes and a mouthful of apple. He has to remind himself to swallow; he’s lucky not to choke. Jim’s choice of words isn’t lost on him. He’s just not sure he’s heard right, with the sudden flush heating his face and the buzzing in his ears.

“I, ah-” He needs to clear his throat. “If anyone’s going to ruin me, I think I like your way best.” You heard that list, Felix. Better finish your dessert if you want to get to the rest.

Once he’s thinking straight enough to do that.