He doesn't blame her, he truly doesn't, but still the flinch makes him flinch in turn. Rory's trying so hard to do the right thing, and instead he keeps making things worse. With another sigh he thinks soothing thoughts at Mr. Beaker. At least he can calm the pup's fears, if not those of his mistress.

So what have all his efforts to be honest with someone who's become rather special to him gotten him so far? Dinner and a nice evening ruined, possibly a friendship as well, plus a large dose of awkwardness to come every time Breaker Street plays at Last Call. Rory can only sit for a minute, feeling very low and trying to collect himself.

"I'm sorry Pippa," he says at last, his reassuring tone only slightly roughened around the edges. "I really didn't come here to scare you. I'll leave if you want me to."