[That does soften him up a little. He doesn't expect Ryan to suddenly open up and tell him everything, especially not here, but he appreciates the reframing. He already knew that wasn't how Ryan had meant it, but he doesn't like to perpetually be seen as the stick in the mud even if sometimes (a lot of the time...) he is.]
Thanks. I'm glad too.
[He still sounds worried, but Ryan's opened up about the immediate problem. He can only hope that with time Ryan will start to trust he can handle it enough to share more. For now... for now it feels like it's probably better not to press.]
You should try the cake. It's good.
[It probably feels like it's out of nowhere, but it's a safer subject. One different enough to let Ryan know he doesn't mind switching topics, even to something that doesn't require much thought.
It's also a gentle nudge to try and get Ryan to actually eat something. He won't force him if he doesn't feel up to it, but he'd be happier if he did.]
no subject
Thanks. I'm glad too.
[He still sounds worried, but Ryan's opened up about the immediate problem. He can only hope that with time Ryan will start to trust he can handle it enough to share more. For now... for now it feels like it's probably better not to press.]
You should try the cake. It's good.
[It probably feels like it's out of nowhere, but it's a safer subject. One different enough to let Ryan know he doesn't mind switching topics, even to something that doesn't require much thought.
It's also a gentle nudge to try and get Ryan to actually eat something. He won't force him if he doesn't feel up to it, but he'd be happier if he did.]