There is an attempt not to moan at the thought of rare, warm meat.

Only an attempt, which Nathaniel fails at.

"With steamed broccoli and a loaded mashed potato," he declares as he dries off and begins to comb out his hair. Nathaniel pauses for a moment, and then looks at Asher. "Would it be... silly of me... to ask for a solid week of your time around Christmas? I had a gift in mind for you, but I'd want to make sure you were free for us to enjoy it. Maybe I could have just after Christmas through New Year's with you?"

He feels strange asking for Asher's holiday, but nothing was ever gained by remaining silent.