The kiss to his cheek startled Arthur momentarily, his eyes widening a fraction as he felt his skin immediately heat up with a blush. It was a chaste action but it so clearly affected him. "Would you use a study date as an opportunity to actually learn?" he asked, sounding a little breathless. "From the books, not myself."
Hearing that Kieran and Declan had literally grown up side by side didn't much surprise him. They appeared close, maybe even closer than some siblings he knew, and being in the same house had to have helped too. It was strangely reassuring to Arthur to know that Declan had someone in his corner at all times, even though he didn't think the other boy necessarily needed such a thing. It was a nice thing to have regardless.
"Your poor parents," he teased, leaning over to nudge Declan's shoulder with his own before pausing to sip at his hot chocolate.
There were many things in Declan's statement that gave Arthur pause. To be told that somebody liked to see and hear him had a strange effect; he couldn't recall ever being told that before. It surprised him, his mouth forming a small 'o' shape for several seconds before his expression softened and he ducked his head. Perhaps luckily for him, there was another part of Declan's comment to focus on, something that allowed him to slip back into some familiarity. "Why on earth would we sneak into the forest?" he asked, sounding equal parts incredulous and disapproving. "You are aware that it's forbidden, yes?"