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Well, objectively, time moves at a linear rate despite any illusions or time perception problems, so all months are equally long. But bringing that up in conversation makes you an asshole. The proper reaction, in terms of interpersonal relationships, is to let the person who's had a long month sit on your couch and bitch up a storm. (But complaining as a coping mechanism is really unhealthy) Let's not.
Really, let's not.
Lion isn't really complaining either. It's been a few hours of the occasional passive sigh, five instances of spouting regrets, two angry complaints about how no class takes up the one that got dropped, one specific moment of considering blowing all their money on badminton equipment to put in the quad, and seventeen variations of 'why do you not have any food in the house'.
It's only seventeen because number eighteen gets cut off by- ] Stop. You're hyper-focusing. Pick one thing and we'll fix it. One.
[ They're blameless. Innocent of all sin. Completely perfect in every way. Because any normal, less wonderful person would likely have spontaneously combusted by now from the sheer volume of various topics and stressors that they are completely refusing to think about in any way, shape, or form. This unstated number has recently swelled to include the entirety of what happened in Lyrabar. This is probably dangerous to their mental health, but who cares, they're functioning. Kinda. Mostly.
Honestly, it's probably a good thing that Will is an angel, debatably retired or otherwise. One would need the patience of a saint to not throw them off the moon for the amount of times they've accidentally repeated the same exact sentence in the past few hours.
For example: five seconds ago, aborted by one very irate partner. Oops. ]
I'm not hyper-focusing.
[ Like bloody hell they're not. ]
I just- I could've sworn I left something here, and I highly doubt either of you came back solely to eat it.
[ They've said that one at least five times already. ]
Ushiromiya, you've said that six times. Five, if you ignore the one where you stopped what you were saying halfway through to ask if I wanted coffee, which you've asked three times.
[ There are so many insults in that sentence it's hard to pick which one to focus on. Lion even gets two seconds to find something to bitch on, when they get conversation sniped again. ]
[ The first retort is discarded mid-thought, as are the two that immediately try to follow it. This is totally not because they know what the response would be, and also because they said one of them already, and nobody can prove otherwise.
This earns the long-suffering huffy sigh that he knows so well, of a brat who knows they can't win if they say what they're currently thinking so they have to sulk instead.
Jerk.
But fine, if he's going to be pedantic and demand that they focus on one thing in particular, they'll focus, alright. ]
-Can you teach me how to fight properly?
[ There's a pause, as they give up on the useless cupboard and politely slam it shut for emphasis. Despite the snappish tone to their voice, it is actually a topic they've given some serious thought to. Y'know, before he throws that out there. ]
I mean- would you. [ Correct grammar is, as always, important. ] If I took it seriously.
[ Again, before he snipes them for only saying it because they're bored. ]
And yes, I am perfectly aware of your inclinations towards being a relentless teacher, before you try that one.
[ One, two, three strikes, without even looking. They know each other far too well. ]
[ They both know how the game works by now. Especially Lion, considering the immediate grammar correction. Well-played, he was about to snipe them for it. The answer is a hypothetical yes, but they're easily distracted and wouldn't take it serio-
Cut off. There's a flash of annoyance, maybe. Okay, hypothetically, if he would teach them assuming they took it seriously, there's still the problem of Lion being a petulant child and him being rele-
And again.
The smile they get is less a smile, more the annoyed wince that crosses someone's face when the light of their existence makes them look like a moron in public, but at the same time being infinitely proud of them for finally learning what comebacks are.
Dammit. ]
...I get it. Take the point and shut it.
[ Lion can mark that down as two points: one that he just gave them, and another for making him give it in the first place. Maybe half of a third one, since it means - even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes - they've gotten good enough at reading their partner that it's actually throwing him off. Lion is beautiful no, wrong, they're a menace. ]
[ It's a pity they didn't turn to watch him. The change in expression would be worth a third point all on it's own.
As it stands, they allow a brief moment to feel both smug and surprised - hey, it actually worked! - before they do turn around. Mm, glorious spitepoints. ]
Hypothetically, yes, but even ignoring the rest of the problems with that class-
[ For example: it's too big, it wasn't planned for, it only covers the bare minimum, they hate learning something hard in front of people who might look up to them... ]
-you and I both know that neither the style of learning nor the actual method of teaching would make any sort of lasting impact on me.
[ Which is a really polite, if prickly, way to phrase "they're not using a gunsword and nobody can make them". ]
[ A moment is taken to picture Lion trying to use a gunsword. It's hilarious. Except they'd probably blow someone's head off with it and that's slightly less hilarious. Slightly.
But it never shows in expression. Even if it's Lion, which means the kneejerk instinct is to roll over to whatever petty demand they have as long as it makes them happy, this one has to be taken seriously. Their answer is initially followed only by the muffled 'tnk' noises of metal tapping on a countertop, a metronome timed to consideration.
Take it as a request from anyone else. And the voice is dropped a pitch. ]
Doubt you could use a sword like mine. You're better with a gun than I could ever be. What are you expecting?
[ Don't preen at the offhand complement, Lion, you're trying to be serious for once.
Ahem. ]
I highly doubt I could even lift a sword like yours.
[ The idle joke buys them time to line up the rest of the thought. Because... well, what are they expecting? It's not a passing whim - they wouldn't ask if it was, they established that, don't re-tread the same ground - but it's no big secret that they're not the most combat-y person ever. For good reason, actually. Even the gun is borderline too far. ]
... I won't lie and say I had a particular idea in mind, because I don't. [ And he'd nail them for it if they tried pretending otherwise. ] But looking at it from a purely practical standpoint? If I'm in a situation where the rifle doesn't work, I'm defenseless.
[ '45 is a good girl, but at the end of the day, the rifle is a weapon from a different genre entirely. The fact that Garfield even sells bullets for it is nothing short of miraculous. And that's not even covering what happens if it breaks, or they go into the desert again, or underwater- actually no fuck that last one.
They don't mention using magic instead, despite Sacred Flame being right there, because if the gun is almost too far... ]
Practicing something else - even if I end up being laughable at it - is better then just blindly hoping that I'll never need to worry.
[ This isn't even said in a mocking manner. It's only like nine-ish kilograms, that's nothing. Also for the sake of the narrative's sanity, we're not gonna bother with extended metaphors or narration. There is simply a long expanse of silence, weighing pros and cons, options, possibilities, and at that moment Lion can see where some people get nervous around him. It's like being set on a scale and weighed against something they aren't even aware of; would never even know how they rate against it. It extends long enough to turn nervousness into panic before- ]
I can try.
[ Well shit guess they'll have to- wait what??? A yes??????? ]
[ 'Not that heavy', says man who casually disrespects proper usage of a zweihander on a daily basis. But bickering about the difference in perspective would only detract from the point, so they don't.
They're not concerned about the Silence. Why would they be? Will is Will, and it only proves that he's taking their request seriously. Even if he says no, they can trust that there would be a reason, even if he probably wouldn't give that reason to anyone, ever, like a jerk. ]
Trying is all I ask.
[ From anyone else, that'd be a very confused "wait, really???" instead. ]
After all, it's not exactly a simple request, or an immediately pressing one.
[ It would be simple if it wasn't either of them. But that's why they asked rather then doing something hilariously stupid like trying to self-tutor swordplay or something. ]
[ Lion's narration is rude on multiple fronts and we're not putting up with it. Mostly not putting up with it.
Their answer simply gets a nod. Good enough to work with. Though Lion can pick out a small problem with their method of gaining his concession. Somewhere a record scratches, a needle hopping from one track to another, and it is no longer the Will they spend their bitch sessions with. It is far less jarring a change than it usually is. ]
'Not pressing'.
[ This can immediately read as 'oh dear I said the wrong thing'. They don't get the chance to defend it. ] Then these are my Rules. You will come to me whenever you wish to be taught - I will not chase you. Taking too long between initiations will be considered skipping a session; in response, all further sessions will canceled. The amount of time to qualify as a skipped session will not be disclosed. Bringing your own weapons is recommended, but not required. A placement test is mandatory on first session. To refuse is to refuse all further training, as well as the offer thereof. Friends or other interested parties will be allowed should they follow the same Rules. However, should you bring enough people to qualify as a 'class' rather than a 'training group', you will all be punished accordingly. Should you want the full details on record, a formal written request will be needed within one hundred and sixty eight hours upon acceptance.
[ Honestly, they should've expected this. Half measures have never been a thing that was Allowed, for either of them, and going this far without tripping a landmine was downright suspicious.
The impulse to ask him to stop and rewind is frozen and smashed before it gets anywhere remotely near being said. Partially because that's an obvious trap. Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect 200gp, and most definitely lose any points accrued for dunking him earlier. And partially because that would involve admitting that being hit by the verbal equavalent of a calculus book does not, in fact, mesh well with humans.
But they're not the average human, are they. There's a moment before old habits kicks in, but not long enough to leave them completely confused as to what the fuck just happened. It's not that different from being drilled on the finer points of batshit nazi gold economic miracles when you get down to it. ]
The terms as stated are acceptable, though I have one question and one clarification before I agree fully.
[ Rich brat. They even tap their chin while picking over what to say, because the words need to be Right. ]
In order - regarding the undisclosed period where 'skipping' counts as a failure to comply, does this include or exclude the duration of any official missions for the Bureau?
[ Off the record? Rude as hell, but they can sort of see why. He's certainly got a knack for scare tactics. ]
And the other is that anyone else who might be interested can ask on their own behalf, thank you. It's not my intention to have this become more then what it is.
[ Like. Honestly, Will, why does he think they asked him privately in the first place. ]
[ And they say they'll be bad at logic fights. There's the faint ghost of a smile, because seeing the comparison of Lion now to when the two first met - especially with those memories so recently revisited - is like night and day. So proud of them.
But he can't say it until this is done. On one hand, Lion's a derp and would go offtrack immediately. On the other, some things can't be avoided, even for someone as important as Lion. ]
First, to address other hypothetical attendees, this was brought up from the concern of Qrow's now-classless students coming to me for direction. It should be no surprise to you that some of his lessons were my suggestions. Should anyone find out about that fact outside of yourself, I would be the next target to take over his course, aside from Washington. At some point I may seek out someone of your own skill level to fight against, hence the offer for you to pick someone in advance, should you have anyone in mind.
[ The general angle of the words is that this not-contract are between the two of them, so it only addresses others in relation to the two involved parties, but only? It just condenses into 'kids give me anxiety'. He already has more than he wants, no thanks. ]
Second, let it be known that had you not asked, the result would have been 'included'. [ Rude. As. Hell. ] However, I have no preference and it shall be what you personally decide to ask for. My opinions and suggestions are not to be given until the Terms of Service are agreed upon.
[ Because this, to them, isn't a logic fight. It's a contract. They can do those.
If only they knew, huh.
At the direct mention of Qrow, things nearly go off-track regardless of Will's attempt otherwise. There's a brief flicker of something, a similar flatline that certain other individuals might have gotten- and the reply is both a bit too quick and a bit too measured, spoken in a tone that can only truly be described as "knife emoji". ]
Then I'll clarify. [ uh- ] I will not allow my asking this of you to become an excuse for others to harrass you into cleaning up his mistakes.
[
Well then! Moving on. ]
...If possible, I'll request 'excluded unless otherwise specified', then. Missions are hectic enough without adding deliberate exhaustion and possible injury to the list of dangers.
[ Not that they're expecting to get the literal shit kicked out of them in these lessons, but- but they're kinda expecting to get the figurative shit kicked out of them in these lessons. Phrasing it that way still gives them the option to decide otherwise on a case-by-case basis without just creating a recipe for disaster. ]
[ Oof. And people get on him for being savage. Compared to knowing exactly what that face pairs with - bern in a casket, him being dismissed as nuisance in lion's life, #The Head Did Nothing (Everything) Wrong - that the only concern is what the hell did Qrow do? There was the one night in Lyrabar where Lion stormed back, grumbling about how corvids are assholes, but nothing more.
It's put a pin on, just like that last time. And, just like last time, to bring it up would just ruin the situation, so the knife is deflected into a wall and ignored otherwise. ]
Understood. Then regarding the status of additional units, a decision is reached. You may recommend those you would be amenable with training with, however they will need to come to speak with me personally. Is this agreeable?
[ There is a momentary pause at the second part. It's not a black or white judgment. The logic for it is sound, but effectively boils down to "only if I feel like it". It's open-ended words banned for use in contracts. Normally, that would be worth a rejection, as the foundation is built on Lion proving their own desire to be taught.
However, Lion gets one concession to any mental scaling by virtue of being Lion. They are worth enough to fudge the numbers slightly. The duration of time that qualifies as a class failure is undisclosed. Thus, he can shorten it as penance without it being reflected in the Contract. Order is maintained. ]
Your request is acceptable. From here on, it's your responsibility.
[ The cold anger, brief as it was, drains as quickly as it arrived. They're not the type to sustain it by thought alone, and it's still in the realm of something they're adamantly avoiding. So back into the box it goes. Simple. ]
That's... fine by me. Both parts of it.
[ It's a pity that they're not quite good enough to pinpoint narration. Because part of it is wrong, painfully so - it's not 'if they feel like it', it's 'to avoid their own stupidity'. After the last few missions they can't trust that they wouldn't pick the worst time to fall short.
But the judgement passes unawares, and Lion sighs. Goodness, they did not sleep enough over the past month or so, did they. Everything feels thin and wrung out, like elastic stretched to within an inch of it's life. It's not a pleasant feeling. ]
... Thank you, Will. I'll do my best to prove worthy of it.
[ "I'll try not to let you down" goes unsaid. Even if they worry they'll fall short, there is no try allowed. The consequences of using that word are something they definitely haven't forgotten from That Day. ]
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no subject
Well, objectively, time moves at a linear rate despite any illusions or time perception problems, so all months are equally long. But bringing that up in conversation makes you an asshole. The proper reaction, in terms of interpersonal relationships, is to let the person who's had a long month sit on your couch and bitch up a storm. (But complaining as a coping mechanism is really unhealthy) Let's not.
Really, let's not.
Lion isn't really complaining either. It's been a few hours of the occasional passive sigh, five instances of spouting regrets, two angry complaints about how no class takes up the one that got dropped, one specific moment of considering blowing all their money on badminton equipment to put in the quad, and seventeen variations of 'why do you not have any food in the house'.
It's only seventeen because number eighteen gets cut off by- ] Stop. You're hyper-focusing. Pick one thing and we'll fix it. One.
no subject
Honestly, it's probably a good thing that Will is an angel, debatably retired or otherwise. One would need the patience of a saint to not throw them off the moon for the amount of times they've accidentally repeated the same exact sentence in the past few hours.
For example: five seconds ago, aborted by one very irate partner. Oops. ]
I'm not hyper-focusing.
[ Like bloody hell they're not. ]
I just- I could've sworn I left something here, and I highly doubt either of you came back solely to eat it.
[ They've said that one at least five times already. ]
no subject
[ There are so many insults in that sentence it's hard to pick which one to focus on. Lion even gets two seconds to find something to bitch on, when they get conversation sniped again. ]
Answer the demand. Pick a problem.
no subject
This earns the long-suffering huffy sigh that he knows so well, of a brat who knows they can't win if they say what they're currently thinking so they have to sulk instead.
Jerk.
But fine, if he's going to be pedantic and demand that they focus on one thing in particular, they'll focus, alright. ]
-Can you teach me how to fight properly?
[ There's a pause, as they give up on the useless cupboard and politely slam it shut for emphasis. Despite the snappish tone to their voice, it is actually a topic they've given some serious thought to. Y'know, before he throws that out there. ]
I mean- would you. [ Correct grammar is, as always, important. ] If I took it seriously.
[ Again, before he snipes them for only saying it because they're bored. ]
And yes, I am perfectly aware of your inclinations towards being a relentless teacher, before you try that one.
[ One, two, three strikes, without even looking. They know each other far too well. ]
no subject
Cut off. There's a flash of annoyance, maybe. Okay, hypothetically, if he would teach them assuming they took it seriously, there's still the problem of Lion being a petulant child and him being rele-
And again.
The smile they get is less a smile, more the annoyed wince that crosses someone's face when the light of their existence makes them look like a moron in public, but at the same time being infinitely proud of them for finally learning what comebacks are.
Dammit. ]
...I get it. Take the point and shut it.
[ Lion can mark that down as two points: one that he just gave them, and another for making him give it in the first place. Maybe half of a third one, since it means - even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes - they've gotten good enough at reading their partner that it's actually throwing him off. Lion is
beautifulno, wrong, they're a menace. ]Weren't you in a class for that?
no subject
As it stands, they allow a brief moment to feel both smug and surprised - hey, it actually worked! - before they do turn around. Mm, glorious spitepoints. ]
Hypothetically, yes, but even ignoring the rest of the problems with that class-
[ For example: it's too big, it wasn't planned for, it only covers the bare minimum, they hate learning something hard in front of people who might look up to them... ]
-you and I both know that neither the style of learning nor the actual method of teaching would make any sort of lasting impact on me.
[ Which is a really polite, if prickly, way to phrase "they're not using a gunsword and nobody can make them". ]
no subject
But it never shows in expression. Even if it's Lion, which means the kneejerk instinct is to roll over to whatever petty demand they have as long as it makes them happy, this one has to be taken seriously. Their answer is initially followed only by the muffled 'tnk' noises of metal tapping on a countertop, a metronome timed to consideration.
Take it as a request from anyone else. And the voice is dropped a pitch. ]
Doubt you could use a sword like mine. You're better with a gun than I could ever be. What are you expecting?
no subject
Ahem. ]
I highly doubt I could even lift a sword like yours.
[ The idle joke buys them time to line up the rest of the thought. Because... well, what are they expecting? It's not a passing whim - they wouldn't ask if it was, they established that, don't re-tread the same ground - but it's no big secret that they're not the most combat-y person ever. For good reason, actually. Even the gun is borderline too far. ]
... I won't lie and say I had a particular idea in mind, because I don't. [ And he'd nail them for it if they tried pretending otherwise. ] But looking at it from a purely practical standpoint? If I'm in a situation where the rifle doesn't work, I'm defenseless.
[ '45 is a good girl, but at the end of the day, the rifle is a weapon from a different genre entirely. The fact that Garfield even sells bullets for it is nothing short of miraculous. And that's not even covering what happens if it breaks, or they go into the desert again, or underwater- actually no fuck that last one.
They don't mention using magic instead, despite Sacred Flame being right there, because if the gun is almost too far... ]
Practicing something else - even if I end up being laughable at it - is better then just blindly hoping that I'll never need to worry.
no subject
[ This isn't even said in a mocking manner. It's only like nine-ish kilograms, that's nothing. Also for the sake of the narrative's sanity, we're not gonna bother with extended metaphors or narration. There is simply a long expanse of silence, weighing pros and cons, options, possibilities, and at that moment Lion can see where some people get nervous around him. It's like being set on a scale and weighed against something they aren't even aware of; would never even know how they rate against it. It extends long enough to turn nervousness into panic before- ]
I can try.
[ Well shit guess they'll have to- wait what??? A yes??????? ]
no subject
They're not concerned about the Silence. Why would they be? Will is Will, and it only proves that he's taking their request seriously. Even if he says no, they can trust that there would be a reason, even if he probably wouldn't give that reason to anyone, ever, like a jerk. ]
Trying is all I ask.
[ From anyone else, that'd be a very confused "wait, really???" instead. ]
After all, it's not exactly a simple request, or an immediately pressing one.
[ It would be simple if it wasn't either of them. But that's why they asked rather then doing something hilariously stupid like trying to self-tutor swordplay or something. ]
no subject
Their answer simply gets a nod. Good enough to work with. Though Lion can pick out a small problem with their method of gaining his concession. Somewhere a record scratches, a needle hopping from one track to another, and it is no longer the Will they spend their bitch sessions with. It is far less jarring a change than it usually is. ]
'Not pressing'.
[ This can immediately read as 'oh dear I said the wrong thing'. They don't get the chance to defend it. ] Then these are my Rules. You will come to me whenever you wish to be taught - I will not chase you. Taking too long between initiations will be considered skipping a session; in response, all further sessions will canceled. The amount of time to qualify as a skipped session will not be disclosed. Bringing your own weapons is recommended, but not required. A placement test is mandatory on first session. To refuse is to refuse all further training, as well as the offer thereof. Friends or other interested parties will be allowed should they follow the same Rules. However, should you bring enough people to qualify as a 'class' rather than a 'training group', you will all be punished accordingly. Should you want the full details on record, a formal written request will be needed within one hundred and sixty eight hours upon acceptance.
Is this acceptable?
[1/2]
no subject
The impulse to ask him to stop and rewind is frozen and smashed before it gets anywhere remotely near being said. Partially because that's an obvious trap. Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect 200gp, and most definitely lose any points accrued for dunking him earlier. And partially because that would involve admitting that being hit by the verbal equavalent of a calculus book does not, in fact, mesh well with humans.
But they're not the average human, are they. There's a moment before old habits kicks in, but not long enough to leave them completely confused as to what the fuck just happened. It's not that different from being drilled on the finer points of batshit nazi gold economic miracles when you get down to it. ]
The terms as stated are acceptable, though I have one question and one clarification before I agree fully.
[ Rich brat. They even tap their chin while picking over what to say, because the words need to be Right. ]
In order - regarding the undisclosed period where 'skipping' counts as a failure to comply, does this include or exclude the duration of any official missions for the Bureau?
[ Off the record? Rude as hell, but they can sort of see why. He's certainly got a knack for scare tactics. ]
And the other is that anyone else who might be interested can ask on their own behalf, thank you. It's not my intention to have this become more then what it is.
[ Like. Honestly, Will, why does he think they asked him privately in the first place. ]
no subject
But he can't say it until this is done. On one hand, Lion's a derp and would go offtrack immediately. On the other, some things can't be avoided, even for someone as important as Lion. ]
First, to address other hypothetical attendees, this was brought up from the concern of Qrow's now-classless students coming to me for direction. It should be no surprise to you that some of his lessons were my suggestions. Should anyone find out about that fact outside of yourself, I would be the next target to take over his course, aside from Washington. At some point I may seek out someone of your own skill level to fight against, hence the offer for you to pick someone in advance, should you have anyone in mind.
[ The general angle of the words is that this not-contract are between the two of them, so it only addresses others in relation to the two involved parties, but only? It just condenses into 'kids give me anxiety'. He already has more than he wants, no thanks. ]
Second, let it be known that had you not asked, the result would have been 'included'. [ Rude. As. Hell. ] However, I have no preference and it shall be what you personally decide to ask for. My opinions and suggestions are not to be given until the Terms of Service are agreed upon.
no subject
If only they knew, huh.
At the direct mention of Qrow, things nearly go off-track regardless of Will's attempt otherwise. There's a brief flicker of something, a similar flatline that certain other individuals might have gotten- and the reply is both a bit too quick and a bit too measured, spoken in a tone that can only truly be described as "knife emoji". ]
Then I'll clarify. [ uh- ] I will not allow my asking this of you to become an excuse for others to harrass you into cleaning up his mistakes.
[
Well then! Moving on. ]
...If possible, I'll request 'excluded unless otherwise specified', then. Missions are hectic enough without adding deliberate exhaustion and possible injury to the list of dangers.
[ Not that they're expecting to get the literal shit kicked out of them in these lessons, but- but they're kinda expecting to get the figurative shit kicked out of them in these lessons. Phrasing it that way still gives them the option to decide otherwise on a case-by-case basis without just creating a recipe for disaster. ]
And as that was my only pressing query, I accept.
no subject
It's put a pin on, just like that last time. And, just like last time, to bring it up would just ruin the situation, so the knife is deflected into a wall and ignored otherwise. ]
Understood. Then regarding the status of additional units, a decision is reached. You may recommend those you would be amenable with training with, however they will need to come to speak with me personally. Is this agreeable?
[ There is a momentary pause at the second part. It's not a black or white judgment. The logic for it is sound, but effectively boils down to "only if I feel like it". It's open-ended words banned for use in contracts. Normally, that would be worth a rejection, as the foundation is built on Lion proving their own desire to be taught.
However, Lion gets one concession to any mental scaling by virtue of being Lion. They are worth enough to fudge the numbers slightly. The duration of time that qualifies as a class failure is undisclosed. Thus, he can shorten it as penance without it being reflected in the Contract. Order is maintained. ]
Your request is acceptable. From here on, it's your responsibility.
no subject
That's... fine by me. Both parts of it.
[ It's a pity that they're not quite good enough to pinpoint narration. Because part of it is wrong, painfully so - it's not 'if they feel like it', it's 'to avoid their own stupidity'. After the last few missions they can't trust that they wouldn't pick the worst time to fall short.
But the judgement passes unawares, and Lion sighs. Goodness, they did not sleep enough over the past month or so, did they. Everything feels thin and wrung out, like elastic stretched to within an inch of it's life. It's not a pleasant feeling. ]
... Thank you, Will. I'll do my best to prove worthy of it.
[ "I'll try not to let you down" goes unsaid. Even if they worry they'll fall short, there is no try allowed. The consequences of using that word are something they definitely haven't forgotten from That Day. ]