[ he watches as they grimace, feels just faintly guilty, because even though he's confident that he's doing the right thing and that they should get something in their stomach before they start feeling worse, he's still aware they're enduring something bizarre and invasive for them. ]

That's because they're both made from the same fruit. [ Lupin explains, his face slightly apologetic despite his conversational tone. ] You could taste it back then? I'd never have guessed that.

[ it's more of an idle comment than anything - why would a gem that can't eat, doesn't need to, be able to taste things? He's reminded a little bit of Cardia and her appreciation for cooking despite her lack of requiring food. At least she was a homunculus modeled after a human - it made sense there. Cairngorm's case is much more peculiar. But this isn't the time for these wondering thoughts (and he doesn't want to dwell on Cardia for too long, either, or he'll start feeling guilty.) Lupin reaches out towards them and softly places his hand on their back, giving them a gentle, reassuring rub. ]

... Sorry. I know this is strange. Are you okay?

[ they're not. but he wants to check in, anyway. ]