[ Holy shit, not the reaction he intended to garner at all. Maybe he overdid the sincerity, or the honesty, or something that tripped whatever warning bells Ian is currently hearing, and the only reason Nate can hear them too is because he's been in this exact position: pushed too far by someone's candor and apparent generosity in a way that made him feel like he couldn't possibly have done anything to deserve it. It always forced him into the awkward split between too serious and not serious enough, with no middle ground.

Jesus, did he become that person? Since when? ]

Hey, hey-

[ Quick to interject as soon as Ian starts losing a little steam Nate lifts his hands, placating, understanding. He should have given him an easier out. ]

I get it. Don't worry, I get it. Been there before. Consider me your repository for crappy jokes for the next week.