[ he could probably fall asleep like this, he's so tired. The killer headache's mostly gone since they started bringing people back - now all that's left are sore muscles and exhaustion. But Lupin started this conversation, and he's not very well going to pass out in the middle of it. ]

How? Because you were tricked? [ his eyes open halfway to peer at Cairngorm briefly. ] That doesn't count.

[ hell, he's gotten tricked here, before, too. That's just how the town works. This burden of responsibility seems to weigh on them constantly - for him, for the other gems, for themself - and he wonders how someone who wasn't even responsible for their own body most of their life can feel so blameworthy. Then again, maybe that's just it. He already knows they don't think much of themself. After a few seconds, he appears resolved, and sits up again, looking Cairngorm square in the face. ]

Listen, Cairngorm. You're not responsible for me or whatever happens to me. A gentleman thief values his freedom above most everything else - everything I do, I do because I want to, no more, no less. That's the way I've always been. [ a pause. His tone softens, then, and he offers a rueful smile. ] I did "all that" because I care about you. You're my friend. Is it that hard to believe?