Poor Gerome. Inigo may just be one of the worst people to take cues from on this sort of thing. If not just because he's be perfectly content spending the entire day - or at the very least most of the day - like this. He's way too happy about hugs. Which means that he's still not letting go just yet.

And it also means that he's getting a very nice view of Gerome's red cheeks. It's impossible to miss from this close up, and even the mask can't cover that up.

And while yes, that means Inigo is aware Gerome is probably mostly just embarrassed or flustered, he can't help but worry the other might really think he's not being serious about it. Inigo knows the way he comes across to people in general most of the time, after all. With how much flattery he throws around, it's hard to tell what's entirely genuine and what's dramatic.

So he quickly shakes his head. "I'm not being ridiculous! And I am not saying that to make fun of you or joke around or anything of the sort.. I need you around, Gerome."

He's quiet for a moment. Even Inigo is still looking a tad bashful as he says it..

"Even if you may think it ridiculous, don't forget that."