N-no, no, that's fine. I just... [Hadn't been expecting that. He shakes his head, glancing away and tugging the scarf up just a little bit further.] Such an assumption is preferable! As I had been under such an assumption as well! [No he hadn't.]

I believe it would still serve the purpose but if you'd like to use something else...

[Then they can think of something better. That apparently went without saying. But oh hey, this looks like a nice clearing! He comes to a stop, crouching to test the dirt and then standing up and glancing at the sky to see how much of it is visible through the trees...good distractions from the burning in his cheeks, yes.]