It's good to know you want to be helpful. I don't have to feel guilty if I need a favor, then.

[he keeps his tone lighthearted, joking, but there is a layer of sincerity to it. always good to know where he could seek help from without fear of owing a debt, or being seen as manipulative.

glancing back to N, he adopted a smile and nodded in the general direction of the rest of the field.]

Did you want to take the lead again? Or have your new ears discouraged you from it?