While Co happily continues to try and preen Peter, pleased with her new playmate, John nods without hesitation and just...takes a breath, relaxing as he slides a look at Father Mulcahy.

He focuses on him, on the sense of safety he brings with his presence, and pops the piece of meat into his mouth. He doesn't spend as much time chewing, but he does visibly hesitate before he swallows.

He even finds it in himself to take a nice, normal sip of his water to chase it down--and some little knot of tension in his back unfurls, making him wonder if maybe he could even clear his plate. The notion makes him smile in Mulcahy's direction.

"Your turn. Again: only if you want. You don't have to."