[ it doesn't sting. it doesn't even start to sting, sits uncomfortably perhaps because trust is his most closely wielded tool and without it he's forced to play with much more dangerous resources, things with risk of a dangerous backlash (and better, better for everyone except him, really, but he's a selfish creature at heart)... but barely, barely because he can recognise the intent.

the slight edge of a smile from him, not kind, not yet, but not brutal either. knowing. ]

Wise. Why should you? Also not incredibly relevant. You don't trust yourself with this either and the fact remains, trust me or not, that I'm one of two options.