He makes a little grumbly noise into Balthazar's shoulder when he announces he's not going to stop being sappy, but doesn't really protest. Even if he's awkward about it himself, he doesn't object to it in other people, and it is helpful to know how his siblings feel. He'd rather know than be left to speculate.

"Guess you backed the wrong horse there, huh?" He's not convinced any admiration of him is merited, unless it's admiration of his sense of humour, style, stunning good looks, talent in bed... what was he saying again? Oh, yes. He was being modest. Well, it was nice while it lasted. In all seriousness though, he wouldn't call himself admirable at all. Impressive, perhaps, but hardly a role model, and he hasn't repaid Balthazar's admiration very well - all it seems to have done is hurt him. He knows how Balthazar feels though, for all that he wouldn't admit to it unprompted. When one has as many siblings as they do, no matter how much one loves each and every one of them, it's difficult not to play favourites to some extent. And with their family's tendency to be a little homogenous, those who are markedly 'different' are bound to feel closer to each other than to the rest. "Thank you, though. And congratulations on your excellent taste."