He can feel himself relaxing, and that in and of itself is unnerving. But she is being truthful - he can tell that much. "I believe you, ma'am, but if you could please... stop doing whatever magic pheremone thing you are doing, I would appreciate that," he says hoarsely.

Still, presented with the mug it would be rude to refuse and it is easier to focus on the warmth and the shape of it in his hands, the rich scent of coffee rising from it. Geeze. Coffee. He hasn't had that in years. Not since the Garrison.

"I'm sorry. About Miss Hoshiko," he says finally when he is able to look at the two of them again. "Do you have other children?" He glances at the other photos.