[he withdraws his hand gently as a means of relenting just a little bit, but not entirely.

while folding his hands in his lap, eyes downcast toward them:] Our first proper encounter. Braccia. I had...only been awake a handful of days. Everything...was so confusing. Disorienting. So many strange, new things...vibrant minds... I definitely wasn't prepared for any of it.

[he looks back over, his smile a little soberer.]

I would've been in a great deal of trouble...had you not helped me out then. Despite the frustration I had caused you at the onset. [and before he can scoff and cut in:] Though I know that hardly matters to you, because you were focused on taking care of everyone, frustrating or not.