( Asra just raises an eyebrow as Julian trips over himself for a few moments, before eventually deciding on keeping whatever it is that's bothering him tucked in close to his chest. He sighs gently, then sets his own cup of coffee to the side, before reaching over to slip his hand over Julian's and offer a little squeeze. )

Come on, Ilya. Perhaps getting it off your chest will help?

( He isn't going to force him, but Asra cares deeply about the man sitting opposite him. Sometimes he can't help but wonder how things might be if they were both ... better, somehow, at being in relationships, and whether they could really be happy if they tried to make something work. Such thoughts never fail to stir up butterflies in his stomach, but ...

But here they are. )

I know I can be blunt, but I don't mind hearing about what's troubling you.

( A beat. )

Talk to me.