He ignored the glare. Ignored the flaring anger. Raised a hand to rest against the back of his neck. Something of a soothing gesture.

He didn't want this complication. He didn't think it would come about like this. He didn't think -- He kept his voice soft. Fought out the reluctance.

"... It had not been uncomfortable," he scoured his mind for the correct words. Something more substantial. Something less substantial. "I cannot say I regretted it."