[maybe he could have played it off, had he waited a moment. or had he just ignored it altogether... but in spite of every attempt to be reasonable and calm, some things still get to him. but hey, at least the hand that claps on his shoulder is friendly and the voice is in turn.]

Oh-

[the sudden response catches his attention more than what came before; Olivine is better now than he was, after all, but it's still uncomfortable to have people realise he has wants. never mind that no one is stupid enough to think he had none.]

I appreciate that... but there really isn't anything wrong with feeling that way, in general. [he's remarkably swift to warm to the conversation, falling immediately back into his habits as a priest. selfishly, it gives him something and somewhere else to put his energy that isn't his own everything. it's so hilariously telling that he doesn't even notice it when he slips into reassurance.] One should never be embarrassed about the things they want to try in safety and confidence.

Ah—I didn't mean to lecture, though. I apologise; I suppose I can't get away from my habits from the church.