[ and that question causes him to look up. the fact the kettle's steaming up a storm in the backgrounds registers, but it's not of... importance ]

It's not as if I've forbidden you from using my name. You've never seemed fond of using it, and it's not as if I use your name that often.

[ that is a lie. pause pause pause this question is so secretly awkward ]

Only when I'm a bit upset. And only when you've done something particularly stupid.

[ pause pause pause ]

Stop asking stupid questions, Alfred.