[Paul accepts the kitten with wide-eyed surprise, very gingerly. He's a tiny thing to hold in both hands, his small, delicate wings fluttering slightly as he's moved.]

Thank you. This is very kind - all of it.

[He brings the kitten to his chest, over his heart, which seems to settle him, before he stoops to retrieve the cupcakes.]

And Kaworu made my cooking sound that bad?

[He smiles, mildly teasing.]

I promise, I had help, but I'd be a poor commander to turn down tactically superior reinforcements.