[ Well, if he's doing it so he can lie to himself more easily, Jack would thank Irving to leave him out of it once his pants are back on, but he can recognize that there's no point slicing at him with snide comments, as easy as it would be. No, the thing to do is act like he gives a shit, now that it's clear this devious seduction isn't a one-and-done little thrill. ]

I hadn't set out that day to wrangle the deviancy out of anyone. I only saw the truth of you, and pushed you to admit it.

[ One ringed finger taps softly against his glass. Not quite a lie, but no, it wasn't as altruistic as that. He takes another swig before he continues. ]

It's important for a man to be able to adapt. That is the only way to survive. You go to war, you learn to fight. You go to the Arctic, you bring a fucking coat, even if the wool makes you itch. You come to Duplicity, you...learn to embrace your desires, it's part and parcel. [ Shit, he's only been here a few months himself. Jack's no expert, it's just not the first time he's had to reinvent himself to suit new surroundings. His whole life's been like that, up and down and all around, metamorphizing from one form to the next. ] I don't know how much Jopson has told you, but this place will have your head twisted into such a state you won't know which way is up. If you can't face who you are on a good day, Irving, you're going to have more pressing issues than I could ever cause you.