[ It takes a surprising amount of self control not to just immediately bite back with do you, Nogi-san? Picking a second fight when one is actively trying to de-escalate the first is a terrible idea, if a sorely tempting one. But it's at least an instinct they're used to suppressing on pain of death.

Anyway. Wakaba gets a Look, just for a moment. ] It's not subtle, it's tactful. There's a difference, Nogi-san.

[ But the hand not supporting their head drums fingers on the table, idly, in consideration. She's not exactly wrong, either. Fine, if she wants to go for their throat, they can swing right back. ]

There's more then just physical cuts, after... well, a month like that. The heart can be wounded too. And it's not wise to let such things fester untreated. [ A pause. God, they sound stupid. ] ...Which is to say: tearing strips off each other to make yourselves feel better won't do anything except make everything worse in the long run.

[ In a place like this, you need to be able to trust the person next to you. They nearly say that- it's on the tip of their tongue- but the sentiment is bitten back. They don't know either of them well enough to preach that much. ]