[...well, that's a little surprising. and so straightforward as well, but then again, Gepard isn't much of a liar. he can't help but laugh softly, not because he thinks what Gepard had said was outrageous, but that there's the irony in all of this. and here he thought that if he were to do the same, if he were to act on his own feelings, that Gepard would push him away in favour of his own duties. that this would all be a distraction from what he's supposed to do]

Ah, forgive me for laughing, I can assure you it's not because I think it a ridiculous notion. There's just... I'm not sure how to explain it.

[with his other hand, Dohalim gently takes Gepard's wine glass, and places it down onto the table by his. he can feel his heart thumping in his chest, nervousness suddenly taking over. he shouldn't... they shouldn't. there are so many factors here, so many that the Renan people would look down on, but... honestly, the thought of coexisting with Dahnans would already have him looked down on. so what is doing something like this, then...?

hands reach up to gently cup Gepard's face, palms feeling the flush of his skin. he should stop himself, he should wait until the both of them are completely sober. but Dohalim finds that he doesn't want to]

I hope you can forgive me for being so bold.

[and with that, he leans in, gently pressing his lips to the other's, not moving any more than that, to test the waters in case Gepard changes his mind]