Trickery. That one concept was the most prominent thought in [Timothy](http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/75166/posts/char#post-2323135)'s mind, even during Henrietta's show, which, he thought, came rather abruptly. But he felt for her, still. There she was, a girl expressing herself true - or not - to people whom she just met, people whom she wanted to get to know and perhaps befriend, before others painted a bad picture of her. Pity, empathy, caution and distrust made an emotional lightshow of his chest, and he wasn't sure which pair of emotions he should go with, since she could breach and read his very mind.

Thus, he leaned back on his chair, and took a deep breath, his face unreadable as it had been set in stone-cold indifference. Not that Henrietta would need to read it, of course.

"Well," he finally frowned. "Firstly, I am honored that you would trust [us](http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/75166/posts/char#post-2323885) strangers with the capabilities of your power. Second, yes, forgive me, but I am suddenly a bit mistrustful of you, but," he then smiled, "I won't judge you so readily. Part of me thinks this confession is but a mere act to build sympathy, but with your powers, you could have easily done that before, so I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. It, uh, does concern me that you can read my mind, but that's no fault of yours; it's inborn. God gave you your gifts, and I will not hate you for them."

It was uncomfortable for him to speak. Timothy hated the current situation, and defusing it somehow made him feel more vulnerable.

"Anyway," he said quickly. "If you were reading my thoughts the whole time, then forgive me for any, erm, inappropriate thoughts, and yes: I still wouldn't mind if I could be your friend. And I'd still like to help in your history project thing."