[Honestly, he was kind of hoping that Elan would just let him snark and leave it at that... But of course he has to keep poking at the subject, god dammit.

Even Dearka isn't really sure why he's really dodging the truth here. It's not like him and Yzak being close is a secret or anything... Maybe it's just that by putting words to that closeness and speaking them aloud, he risks brushing up against the deeper feelings that he really can't afford to admit to.

His smirk turns to a small frown. He glances off, focusing elsewhere in the room and exhaling harshly, his expression almost sulky.]

Gimme a break... I was just trying to spare you from having to listen to a bunch of sentimental drivel. But yeah, fine: you got me. I couldn't stand the thought of watching him go out like that, so I just... Acted.

[There. Happy? He isn't just going to let that admission hang there, though. He looks back at Elan, the storm cloud of his expression lightening somewhat, though he's still frowning slightly. It's funny that Elan would wonder about the apparent mismatch between Dearka's temperament and the military lifestyle, because what he says next is:]

Have I ever told you that I actually left ZAFT once?