[Yuan recognizes much of that attitude, and so he reads the sarcasm for what it is despite Zelos's artificial tone.]

[He's not sure what to do about this. He can't exactly tell Zelos that he's going to fix this, given a day or two. That would provide more of the questions he can't answer yet, and make some things blatantly obvious if the Pope ever talks about what's about to happen to him.]

[He wonders what Kratos would do. (He wonders, perhaps, what Martel would do.)]

[Carefully, Yuan reaches out to set an arm over Zelos's shoulders, tug him a little closer. He's awkward with the injured shoulder, awkward with demonstrating affection, but it's the best reassurance he can think to offer right now.]

It isn't optimal, but things won't always be like this. For now, give your guards at least two days before sneaking away from them again. They'll be more concerned than usual for a while.

[There's a gentle ruffling of his hair, so light as to almost be nonexistent.]

You don't have to worry about me.