Part of him still isn't even sure why he felt such a strong need to interfere, in the first place. The other part simply accepts that he felt it was right. That this is the best decision he could have made, given the options before him at the time. It doesn't sit pleasantly, knowing how the young man might be feeling towards him... but he's endured worse. So he gives another small smile.

With his voice a touch softer, he says, "You don't owe me anything."