Immediately, the gnome feels called out, and he looks apologetic, but then he catches the look in Xander's eyes and reads it accurately. No, that was just a question, not a complaint, and given Barcus' tendency to dance around a topic to begin with, it's pretty legit. His expression softens again, and they're still both holding onto him, so he lets his shoulders relax and laughs a little.

"Forgive me, dear, but I'm only flesh and blood, and there are two kind, brilliant, beautiful men holding my hands. It can stop right now, and I'll behave myself, if you prefer, but technically I'm flirting with you both."

He looks at Viktor. "It does my heart good just to see you two being happy together. I meant that bit about basking. But it did rather sound like you started the flirting. Am I wrong?"