[He starts seriously, more ready to confess his feelings to Blake than he is with most other people.]

I guess I...

[But he stops. Muffles his feelings, forces the frown from his face. This isn't the right time or place, lest he make another one of those creatures. And besides that, Kaede is her friend, which is why she was willing to fight—and die—to help her.]

It's nothing. The important thing is that you're back.

[He sits up. Agate is on her way back now, though it may take a few minutes. He changes the subject further.]

Just so I know for later—how do you like your fish?