[ Bastien shakes his head and gives a fluttery-fingered gesture with his spoon-free hand. ]

It's nothing. You're alright. Although,

[ his arm dropping to fold on the table so he can brace against it while leaning forward, voice dropping to a conspiring volume, ]

I would ask who you are talking to before the confessions. Next time. That is my professional advice as a professional diplomacy uh— diplomat.

[ That's the word. ]

But we can call this one a practice run.