Could he? Definitely ask if he'd like to see some things explode, then. [Serious teens... That's definitely part of the motivation behind this party, Palamedes would concede. It may have originated from the combined ideas that he should get to play with fireworks and that his traumatized teen friends should have more ongoing distractions, so - yes. Invite this kid.

He continues to toy with Viktor's hair, considering. Being direct is very attractive, mmhm, yes indeed - but ah, they're both still—a work in progress, for this thing too.]

Tropes? [a little grin,] We'll figure it out. I'm not worried about any time lapse, or alleged disrespect; you and I are the important part. I've read enough novels to know that that's not how it has to go, after all.

[So: screw the rules, like always. Palamedes is just as willing to go through a chaste Victorian courtship as any other kind, he has no time limit in mind. It feels, mm, faintly wishy-washy to qué será, será this point though, so he adds:]

Although, since it bears saying out loud: I am attracted to you, and you are very handsome. Here's some ammunition: I nearly walked head-on into a lamppost the other day while I was thinking about your eyes. You could undo me in a heartbeat and I would say thank you.

[So like, it's on the table, absolutely.]