"Yeah, you've been pretty vocal about it." That's said soft and fond, but somewhere in the space of a few heartbeats after the words end, something changes in his face. Doesn't harden, just. Goes a little expressionless.

Cor's entitled to his opinion. Always. But there was so much more to worry about than cowardice...

"I'm taking it that I did - will? - talk with Father to get you as a permanent assignment to me?"

Of course, that's more complicated, as well, but disgust or rejection were not in the myriad of reactions and emotions that have been nearly paralyzing Cor.

"... nothing is burning, right?"