[ for a split-second, his expression falters and shifts into something akin to panic. this is one of the worst case scenarios, and he isn't prepared at all, not quite ready to face the man he admires so much with the subject of throwing away his humanity on the table.
but the bewilderment doesn't last long.
he slips back his usual demeanor and asks as casually as he could make it sound. ]
Who told you something like that?
[ it's neither a confirmation nor a denial. he doesn't really see the point in lying about it, but maybe if he can delay the fallout a bit, then that gives him time to consider what to say. ]
no subject
but the bewilderment doesn't last long.
he slips back his usual demeanor and asks as casually as he could make it sound. ]
Who told you something like that?
[ it's neither a confirmation nor a denial. he doesn't really see the point in lying about it, but maybe if he can delay the fallout a bit, then that gives him time to consider what to say. ]