[ Oh, no... no, no; the conflicted torment practically carves itself along the edges of Irving's features as he listens, partly skeptical, but even more so empathetic. The thing is, as... contentious a confrontation as they'd had back on Terror, all those months past (and although Irving's moved on, he knows the same can rarely be said of crewman and petty officers when it comes to reprimands), it had been more than just moral conviction, but also Irving's duty to follow up with Hickey after what Billy Gibson had told him -- really, how could he not? -- and it was for both of their sakes, their own good, to be strongly encouraged to do everything in their power to never wind up in such a situation again on any Navy boat. Just because Irving hadn't ever planned on reporting them doesn't mean they'd get so lucky the next time.

He frowns, biting his lip indecisively as he glances briefly aside, weighing his options, because he had told Hickey that, and he'd also even meant it, too. If Irving can help show a wicked, wayward soul -- particularly one under his charge -- the way towards righteousness, then how can he possibly deny them that? ]

You're right. [ He sighs, tone of voice soft, a bit demurring. ] If I am to set for you a proper example, then I must be straight.

[ No pun intended. ]

There was no kiss, no tenderness to the encounter. Merely... [ It's hard for him to say, one hand raising to briefly cover over his eyes in shame. ] I'm quite certain your impression of me shall sour irrevocably once I speak the word.