[That earns Hythlodaeus a scowl. How dare you call him out on his feelings when he was clearly trying to avoid naming them!]

Must you frame it so predatory? Truly, not everyone practices your style of pursuit.

[Though, he's only getting this huffy about it because...well, he does plant to wear him down after a fashion. He knows it's what's necessary, and if he weren't so confident that this is indeed what Dirk likely wants in his heart of hearts, nor that this is what Dirk truly needs, he'd leave him be altogether.]

And I said naught about being in love. I'd like to believe myself past such folly.

[Like to, but is not claiming to actually be so.]