Eobard matched Hartley's smile with one of his own, his features settling into a content teasing, "So they tell me. I've been playing the part pretty well, I think." It was encouraging, Hartley's reaction to the embrace. It just told Eobard that he was making stridea in the right direction. A few more carefully placed words, and he might be able to lockdown Hartley's trust. At least, for however long the other man proved to be a useful distraction.
"Are you up for a game?" Eobard asked, stepping back and heading towards a small board that he'd set up in the living room. "It's been awhile since I've had an opponent that could give me a decent challenge."
Chess was a game of strategy and balance. And he and Hartley had always balanced each other out well. And if anything, it would be a good distraction for the both of them ao that any discussion that followed would be easier.
"Whatever else we need to discuss, it can be done at the same time."