[this time he leans forward some, smile still as playful and casual as ever]

Well I don't appreciate my inevitable death to sate your palate, so humor me for a bit, 'kay?

But really, it's a bit of both, and a lot of trying to help him out. You're clearly fond of him, and maybe even something more. So, even if he's doing something you don't approve of, I think maybe, he'd take your words to heart before mine.

Which is super rude, cuz I'm his boss! But, so long as it gets through to him.