'Whatever you think of, I'm sure we'll all warm up to it, no pun intended.'

((GOD SO TRUEEEEEE

'Of course. I trust your judgment, partner.'

[Tries to push back the joke he had in mind. The deaf leader lets out a wheezy chuckle.]

(( OH NAUR-- /silly

'So the gang's all here? That's great news. We'll have to get together for the holiday, now that I'm finally back in Inaba again.'

'Other than Nanako and Uncle Dojima, of course.'

'Anyway, what'd I miss? I was spending time with my...parental units.'

[A grimace.]

'Asking why Teddie simps is like asking why bad things happen to good people. It just does.'

'I UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION.' [Cupping The other shadow's cheeks with one set of arms.]

'BUT WE HAVE TO PLAY IT COOL FOR NOW. AFTER ALL, LULLING THEM INTO A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY IS IMPORTANT.'