Gilmore's gaze lifted as he poured the tea, eyes twinkling a little at the implication. He licked his lips and canted his head slightly as he considered the question. It would certainly be nice. To ask for permission, to be granted or denied it. It wasn't something he'd been allowed to indulge in often, and not for many years. He was very much always the one in charge.
"I would like to ask. Until such a point or time as you'd prefer I didn't." Gilmore could read a room. He wasn't going to turn everything up to eleven immediately, because he had deep respect for J'mon, but he was very much going to indulge as he could. "It's been some time since I could...relax in that way."
Gilmore listened to their recount of what happened, relief clearly visible on his face both for the sake of his home and of his friends. They had succeeded. He allowed himself an almost sardonic chuckle at the recount of his input, resting his cup against his thigh for the moment. "Thank you. So much. For telling me and for being there. And for your generous description of my input. It has...soothed me. Put me at ease. And whilst we're here, I'd be honoured if you'd allow me to express my gratitude for your help, as I'm sure my future self would want as well. In whatever way you see fit."
Smiling, Gilmore sipped his tea again. It tasted delicious. He felt comforted in a way he had no idea he had needed.