He wonders briefly how fair it is to ask John to go first, and puts some bread and cheese in his mouth to cover the moment of thought.

...he's not sure why it feels like so much of an olive branch to go first. "When Edwin graduated, he, um. He came to find me in the wardrobe to let me know. We- spent some time finding some new clothes for him, things to- experiment with." His expression softens as he looks down at his tea. "It was... nice, actually. He... he's trying so hard to try and do right by me, and that... I'm glad that I get to do the same for him. That we get a second chance on- on even ground."