[Zel doesn't respond right away in words, his gaze downcast and watching Emery's mouth move with those musing words. he's musing himself - mulling over the notion of being more candid with his reasoning or just...leaving things where they are. hardly seems necessary at this point, yet the impulse remains.

he closes his eyes.]

...I won't force your hand either way. Your boss, your place, your rules.

I just...want to understand it all better. To understand you.