Less of an excuse and more stating my intent to stay, really.

[ he will go and sit by dimitri unless he's doing that already, i refuse to tab up and look so i'm leaving it all to fate ]

'Fraid I'm a pretty stubborn old man, Dimitri. You won't be able to dissuade me from sticking around and making sure you get some sugary fuel. And I'll investigate with you regardless of your current status as company.

[ that's about as straightforward as he gets, appreciate it dimo ]