[That surprises him. Ven quickly lifts his head, and seeing her smile helps his own return, slowly, after a moment. Then he laughs and shakes his head.]

Yeah -- you're right. Sorry.

[...That's a lot of apologies being tossed around in the last two minutes, but each one has been sincere all the same.]

I'm not even sure what my feelings are, actually. [Another laugh, this one at himself.] That's not really anything new, though. I've felt like that a lot lately.

[It's said casually, however, so it obviously doesn't bother him -- or if it did once, it doesn't at present.]

I guess you just... caught me by surprise? I'm always comfortable around you, though.