[ the sound of his name makes him freeze, just for a moment, despite richard's soft tone — as if the reaction is so ingrained in him he can't quite help it, until the fact that richard is speaking with such a soothing voice sinks in and his shoulders drop and he manages a smile. ]

No, not at all. I mean, I know you didn't mean it like that.

[ his smile gains some of its brightness back, then, the kind of luminosity that reaches all the way up to his eyes. ] And yeah, so am I. Can't dislike this place too much, can I, not when it's the reason I met him.

[ and then he seems to check himself, because he can and will go on with mushy nonsense if left to his own devices... but he's trying to be better about that. so, ] Anyway, if you don't mind me keeping some irregular hours here, then sure, I've got your back.