[It comes naturally to avoid talking about himself, to turn the conversation around, and manage not to have to do any of the things he encourages in other people when it comes to talking through issues and feelings and accepting help. At home and in Hadriel he was usually successful at that without having to try too much, so he often forgets that people here see have been a lot better at seeing through him than he's used to.

So although he's definitely talking around the actual issue, he's also mostly expecting to get away with it at this point. That makes it easy to fall into the act of normal, casual conversation, and at the not-so-serious accusation he gives he a brief glance, raising his eyebrows.]

That's it. You caught me; I was using you prevent myself from having muffins for every meal.

[He's mostly joking--obviously that wasn't the reason he invited Ellie to stay at the apartment--but he's also totally serious that he'll make terrible food choices when left to his own devices.]

Without my coworkers around to shame me, I have to come up with other solutions.