Oh, it does. Endless distress. But to say why is half the problem, as it's nobody's business, definitely not something he wants the majority of people around him to know. They already have too much ammunition.
Cade opens his mouth and closes it several times, still blushing deeply, ever unable to handle being put on the spot this way, even for such a simple question. "I, um..." he falters, "I knew someone who..." Didn't keep it to himself, didn't mind his own business with his partner of choice. ...well. In a sense he did, but it was his choice, not his "partner"'s. "...wasn't good," he lamely concludes. Conjuring up too many details always feels like he might summon Brother Flavius from the ether.
Cyril's eyes narrow a bit. He can figure out that when Cade says he knows someone who 'wasn't good' and links it to sexuality he can figure out something of what happened. He doesn't pry, doesn't ask for more detail, but he doesn't soften a bit in his stance. There's still not a lot of emotion in his face though.
"There are people who are not good of all kinds," he points out. "Just as there are many people who are good of all kinds. I suppose the only thing that I can do is try to be one of the good ones."
"I know," Cade concedes, lowering his head somewhat, clearly ashamed to have to be told this. In truth, Cyril is the one person thus far who has actually received any information freely given; previously, there was the Fade incident, and a meltdown to Zevran predicated by feeling threatened. It seems strange and almost sterile now, and he's overly aware of Cyril's reaction, sees the narrowing of the elf's eyes. "I'm sorry," he says, and looks down at his feet. There's no way to make this better, not really.
Cyril nods at the apology. "Accepted. I honestly shouldn't have responded as strongly as I should either. There will be all sort of people who have opinions about my choices, and reacting such a way to them is just a way to make the whole situation even worse." A pause. "I guess that means that I'm sorry too."
Cade is surprised to receive the apology in turn, and glances briefly at Cyril, just long enough to see that he's serious. Then Cade nods, pursing his lips. "It's all right," he replies, then lapses into silence, his frequent approach to situations that are awkward.
Cade seems surprised by the question, but his confusion quickly becomes a small, sheepish smile. "...yes," he says, "but I, um. Messed it up again." So he can do it more than once, of course. He assumes that's the point.
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Cade opens his mouth and closes it several times, still blushing deeply, ever unable to handle being put on the spot this way, even for such a simple question.
"I, um..." he falters, "I knew someone who..." Didn't keep it to himself, didn't mind his own business with his partner of choice. ...well. In a sense he did, but it was his choice, not his "partner"'s.
"...wasn't good," he lamely concludes. Conjuring up too many details always feels like he might summon Brother Flavius from the ether.
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"There are people who are not good of all kinds," he points out. "Just as there are many people who are good of all kinds. I suppose the only thing that I can do is try to be one of the good ones."
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"I'm sorry," he says, and looks down at his feet. There's no way to make this better, not really.
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Cyril lets the silence last a bit longer. "Have you... have you been able to figure out the puzzle box I gave you?" he asked after a moment.
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Cyril nods. "Good. That means you'll get more use from it. I hope it helps give you something to do with your hands."