Caleb manages an achingly grateful smile before they kiss. Yussa understands him and his position well. He knows what his open support is worth on both a personal and political level. This is so much more than Caleb would ever have asked of him, even after their conversation about asking for what he wants. Even offering to follow his lead is generous.

"Earrings," he suggests fondly, and lightly kisses the pointed tip of Yussa's nearest ear. "And, ah--perhaps you could help me with one more thing?"

This is an entirely spur of the moment request. He feels strangely nervous asking, face warming with a reflexive flush, but he has already gotten this far. He lifts a hand from around Yussa and taps his face beneath his own eye to indicate what he's talking about: makeup. "Just a little bit, maybe, if you think it would look decent? Nothing flashy. A gold lip would probably not suit me as it does you." He catches the eye of Yussa's reflection again and smiles, soft and wry. "I trust your judgement."

There is nothing to be apprehensive about, Caleb reminds himself. Plenty of men regularly wear makeup, and wear it well, Yussa included. It's just that he has never been one of them. But perhaps this is a night to be daring and try something new--even if it is only a little kohl around his eyes or a dusting of shimmering powder over his cheekbones.