[ as she will learn, he has a great abundance of charisma and a noble heart, but this doesn't necessarily mean he's excellent at making friendships. It's a fault he's aware of. His upbringing didn't lend itself to a lot of socializing, and joining the mob ended whatever socializing he did have.

That said. If it's any relief, he also thinks this is stupid... not that he's going to say as much. Teenagers... ]

You're putting words in my mouth, Trish.

[ a sigh. she's reading a lot of implications in his words that aren't there, because he honestly has been speaking plainly. He's straightforward, if nothing else!! But he's used to this kind of attitude from Fugo, at least, so he has some patience. ]

But if that's really all you wanted, then I'm more than happy to accept. [ ... ] ... You just caught me off-guard. Thank you.