[Oh, he'd love some comfort right now. But at the same time, he knows this is a problem he needs to work on himself. Unfortunately, a hug wouldn't really help him to restore his composure.]
[It takes a few more deep breaths before he can respond, his voice a bit shaky, but otherwise normal.]
...please don't apologize. I--
[He falls silent again before resting his hands in his lap and shaking his head. There's an attempt at a smile, but that's about all it can be called.]
[action]
[It takes a few more deep breaths before he can respond, his voice a bit shaky, but otherwise normal.]
...please don't apologize. I--
[He falls silent again before resting his hands in his lap and shaking his head. There's an attempt at a smile, but that's about all it can be called.]
Can we talk about something else?