[ He wears his heart on his sleeve, really- though there's no hiding things that don't seem harmless, but he knows how important it is to keep Noct's privacy, more than ever here now because of the potential for sabotage.

But Gaelio's confirmation makes him sigh a bit, not just because he's relieved, but also...

( I mean, they'd be fine without me, right? ) The thought echoes in his mind but he doesn't allow it to worsen as it could, pausing when he hears that last statement. ]

Wait, suffer? Why the heck?

[ He peers at Gaelio then. ]

I can totally look after myself! Been doing that my whole life, really, so it's no biggie. Hey, what about you? Anyone you want me to look out for, Gaelio, ol' pal?

[ Just lighten it up and move along, as he always does! ]