Kiel watches the boy carefully while he contemplates his answer doing his best to not weird him out by staring. [i]'Many of the kids have told me that on the streets a lingering gaze normally means trouble.'[/i] Over the years Kiel has become a master of watching people while focusing somewhere else. It's always seemed to calm the street kids down a bit when they aren't the direct focus of attention, leading to a lot of the saying he's very easy to talk to. [i]'Even if he is a little different from most'[/i] he muses, looking jut off to the side of the boy, [i]'Doesn't mean he doesn't have all the same troubles and fears that the rest of them have'[/i] Setting his tea down he smiles when Zach finally responds.

[i]'I'm glad he agrees, but something about his response makes me worry that he may be afraid of my fellow priests'[/i] His brows furrow slightly as he talks and he can feel his sympathy growing. [i]'I think I'm right. I think he doesn't want to be preached at. I know a lot of my fellows seem to be nothing more than walking soapboxes, casting judgment and damnation like stale popcorn to pigeons. Perhaps he's already met a few of them'[/i] He takes another sip of his tea, making not of but visibly ignoring his blush as he tries to figure out what to say next. Setting down the drink he picks up his fork in one hand, but just as he raises it to grab another bite he seems to hesitate, looking over to the young man once more.

“You will find no judgments in this house.” His voice is soft, but his tone is resolute. “I may live on church grounds, but this is my home. None of my fellow priests would dare speak out against my rules in my own home.” He shifts his gaze to look directly at Zach. “If you'd rather not hear from those of the church all you need to do is come inside. This is your sanctuary. The Head Priest has given me leave to do as I please, and it is my fondest wish to help kids like yourself.” He smiles wide, a slight smirk on the edge of his mouth. “And if that means fighting off each and every one of my fellows to defend a single one of my kids, I'll do it.” He turns to his food, his smile softer but still in place. “You are who you are, and all I want to do is help you become what you want to be, and keep you safe all the while.” He chuckles lightly. “I know you kids are tough, the coddling is an insult, but I can't help how I feel. . .” With that he goes back to eating, the small smile still playing at the corners of his lips.