[ bradbury at least has the decency to look appropriately chastened, ducking his head sheepishly, rubbing absently at the nape of his neck. ]

Yeah, sorry. Stupid question.

[ it's a probably a good idea to drop the topic of conversation, there, but there's one thing he has to make absolutely clear despite nelson's discomfort and his own. ]

Hey. [ he lifts his head to give nelson a lopsided grin, before his expression goes serious. ] I'm kind of shitty at this, in case you hadn't noticed, but ... just so you know, it doesn't matter to me. I'm glad I know now, but it doesn't change anything.

[ he says it with enough conviction for all three of them. ]