Hm. [Turning his attention to flit back over the students doesn't actually help with the continued twisting in his gut. There's nothing quite as discombobulating as brief praise, after all.
Except for social invitations.
It's too soon to clear his throat again. It's too impolite to reply in the most natural way, with the brusque inattention he might have had for a fellow officer. This has to be gentler. This has to be something more like speaking to Mrs Mason's daughter after a particularly trying day.] I'm-- certain I am at your disposal, ma'am.
no subject
Except for social invitations.
It's too soon to clear his throat again. It's too impolite to reply in the most natural way, with the brusque inattention he might have had for a fellow officer. This has to be gentler. This has to be something more like speaking to Mrs Mason's daughter after a particularly trying day.] I'm-- certain I am at your disposal, ma'am.
[There. That's well done, surely?]