[It's the first he gave Sampo, probably, and Gepard wants to squirm. He doesn't. He doesn't like the fact he apologized to Sampo. Because it's Sampo. He also doesn't like the fact it feels like Sampo is seeing through his excuses, his mistakes, or is trying to. And he still doesn't know why?]
I...
[He should politely rebuff Sampo.]
...suppose? [That also seems mean.] You've told me stories. I've enjoyed them. I've mostly enjoyed our time together. [Okay, he's got a little bit of stubbornness in him. A little bit left. He enjoys Sampo's company only so much. This far, no further.] I don't have a reason to say no.
[And Gepard busies himself with a sandwich to stall for time to bite, and chew, and swallow, and think, what's a safe, easy conversation topic that he could direct Sampo to, like the sort of thing he used back when he was a Silvermane Guard and was looking for something polite to tell a civilian who was getting a little too familiar - something to keep a distance, but polite, and nice.]
You said you were getting a permit. What kind of business were you thinking of running, Sampo?
no subject
I...
[He should politely rebuff Sampo.]
...suppose? [That also seems mean.] You've told me stories. I've enjoyed them. I've mostly enjoyed our time together. [Okay, he's got a little bit of stubbornness in him. A little bit left. He enjoys Sampo's company only so much. This far, no further.] I don't have a reason to say no.
[And Gepard busies himself with a sandwich to stall for time to bite, and chew, and swallow, and think, what's a safe, easy conversation topic that he could direct Sampo to, like the sort of thing he used back when he was a Silvermane Guard and was looking for something polite to tell a civilian who was getting a little too familiar - something to keep a distance, but polite, and nice.]
You said you were getting a permit. What kind of business were you thinking of running, Sampo?