[he's at least caught himself on the edge this time -- his arms are working better than his legs -- so he doesn't completely faceplant and humiliate himself in front of her. fuck, though, it's been a long time since he's felt this physically helpless? the leaden feel of it seems like it's beginning to seep into his thoughts as well, making everything greyer and slower than it should be.

he tries to shove the feeling back, gulps another deep breath, and looks back up at her]

Yes, but which faction are you with? If you're not from my area, there might be problems...

[not that she couldn't lie to him, either way, but...without SOME kind of assistance, he's a sitting duck. and even if she doesn't happen to be from Sutoku, it's not like he doesn't want the other factions to know anyway, eventually. he'll take the risk.]