[ The smile doesn't fade as Sylvain tips his head forward; instead, it turns into something what might almost be considered a private one - aside from the part where it's still entirely visible to the man in front of him - and one filled with more of that feeling. Rather than sweep it away as anything else he lets it stay while tracing his thumb over the other's cheek. ]

What'd I say about not selling yourself short? You get credit for all of it.

[ Whatever protest is in that, faint as it is, is also softened by affection. He's come to expect Sylvain will find one of the many ways he seems to have to skirt around a compliment where now was no exception. That won't stop him from paying the compliments all the same or repeating them as much as it takes for them to sink in with now being no exception.

Including one that's still forthcoming since with one small lean upwards for another kiss: there's still the tea waiting for them. ]

I think this should be about ready now, [ is what Claude offers by way of a segue afterwards since that pine aroma's much stronger than before thanks to the steeping being complete as he drops both hands to Sylvain's shoulders. ] What do you say we head back and get to the chess you also promised me?