[Meanwhile, he's debating the merits of ducking his head underwater and vanishing, but- ah, he promised he'd meet his human at his cove, and he...actually wants to meet his human at his cove (he's been a good soldier, he deserves this much) and that means he can't just escape this conversation. Even if he leaves now, the subject will probably come up again.]

I didn't save you because I expected a reward. [Which brings up the question of why he brought a gift-] And I stayed with you because when you save a life, you're responsible for seeing things through. [Or...something, very duty minded, very practical. Which brings up a question. Can a fish blush? If he can, he is, if not, there's still a certain fluttering of gills. Because this is very nice. He rescued a human and he turned out to be handsome and nice and wants to bring him things, and Gepard is going to be very disappointed once he learns what Sampo is really like, probably. And by then it'll be too late, probably.]

But if you insist, I'll be happy with whatever you bring.