( aspen immediately looks away when he hears the inhale, crossing his arms over his chest a bit. there's a faint glimmer of insecurity there, and it's notable considering aspen didn't seem to care about being naked at all before. if anything, there's been no indication that aspen is insecure in any way until now; he'd seemed fine with sharing his body and his thoughts, but when it came to this, he seemed much more uncertain. )

... an 'Independent'? - I don't know what that is, but I don't mind whatever it is. If need be, I suppose I could glimpse into your mind, but I consider that invasive and something I prefer to only use while counseling others.