[HiMERU crosses his legs, folding his hands primly over his knee, ever the attentive listener — or at least rather good at appearing like one. Today is extraordinary in that his grin becomes more genuine by the second; when it comes to time passed in Tatsumi's presence, it's usually the opposite. But really, the worry twisting the holy man's expression is so gratifying, it almost makes up for their forced costarring. Almost.

Even as he shakes his head gently, his smile remains calm and kind, masking the snickering just below the surface.]

Say no more. HiMERU understands perfectly. While this may be... far removed from your usual character, do you truly believe you would've been chosen had they not seen any potential in you? It would do you well not to underestimate your collaborators in art, Tatsumi. [Of course, he'll fit in a subtle scolding when he can.]

But since you seem so unconvinced... What is it in particular that you struggle to see yourself as? "Predispositions" notwithstanding.

[Sure, he has an idea or several of what exactly plagues Tatsumi now. But there's petty pleasure to be found in coercing the man himself to admit it.]