[It is a strange intimacy different from their encounters before, one step further into the privacy of themselves shut behind bedroom doors in the night. He could close his eyes and imagine Laurent beside him in bed, whispering into his ear — the thought enough to inspire a warm chill — but then he wouldn't see Laurent's face, or the black cat ears crowning his head. The smirk is tempting, but Sasuke schools it.]

You're right. I wasn't good at it. [He can admit his own deficiency; his pride lies in other areas of expertise.] Working in a shop like that is something the civilians of my village used to do, not me. I shouldn't expect to be capable overnight. It's a skill like anything else.

[With work and effort, however, he could change that. If he wished. Now, he's more interested in Laurent's mild little statement: I thought I might. The smirk tugs more stubbornly, so he turns, covering it partially with his pillow. Laurent looks away, but he doesn't.]

Maru, maybe. It means "round." [His smirk has tempered into a smile, barely visible on his lips.] Or Hime — "princess," since you're the prince.