[He may not be in a rush, and he'd happily laze about all day, but there's still a twitch of impatience at their leisurely pace. He lifts a hand to gently tangle in their hair, smoothing through before resting there. Gives him an extra point to...guide from, if it's needed. While Maverick wants to continue the banter, his mind is drawing a blank that only gets worse as he feels he's disappointing them.]

What's to be afraid of? You're a quick learner. [wow, stupendously done. idiot. Come on, though, like it's his fault his brain shits itself when Rover's being all affectionate?] Uh, eager to be taught, in my experience. Rover was called 'Curiosity', and all.

[There, that was a little back on his game, right? Ugh, he's floundering.]