"It is." That much, at least, comes out surprisingly firm. "I'm sorry that we can't agree on that much, because you seem like a really admirable person, but I don't blame you for not caring about a place that's kidnapped you."

How can he? It's only by grace of as charmed an existence that a soldier can lead that he's able to cling to those beliefs, and he's not so naive as to believe that everyone's going to be the same.
Lightning might be stern and blunt and several intimidating traits rolled into one very attractive body, but considering that she hasn't knocked him down the stairs for being what he considers to be quite rude, Gordin can't paint her as anything so dramatic as evil.

It's that combination that keeps him curious about her, keeps his words flowing despite wanting to shrivel up under her gaze, and makes him blurt out something very, very personal.

"What d'you fight for, ma'am?"

Oh gods, he regrets it soon as says it. If Naga is truly merciful then they'll murder him on the spot.