[ She can see his disappointment - his face is entirely too honest for his own good - but it’s a little bit of a surprise when that moment of struggle passes and he speaks again. Maybe she wasn’t expecting him to push back at all. Maybe she didn’t think he’d be brave enough. But there’s something compelling in how earnest he is. Something that makes her reconsider, even if she thinks it might be against her better sense.

Her face remains unreadable. And she isn’t in any hurry to reply, letting his plea hang in the air between them untouched for several long beats before she finally shrugs. ]

Fine. We’ll train. And I’ll see for myself if you’re good for anything besides coffee.

[ He can have a chance, if he wants it that badly. Skill is one thing, but drive is another. She’s curious enough to find out how much he’s got of each. ]

But I won’t go easy on you just because you’re all cute and new. [ Wryly: ] I never go easy.