[It's an answer that surprises him. Not that she'd use logic and reason to try and make him see that he doesn't have to throw himself bodily between every danger he encounters and those he loves, that much he expects, is accustomed to, even if on this occasion the logic seems strong and certain, far more than his dubious protection might be. No, it's the news about Lucio and his new social status that makes him scoff, thick auburn brows raising practically into his hairline.]

Hah. Lucio is a submissive? Now there are two words I didn't expect to find in the same sentence.

[Because his own status only seems logical, entirely deserved, and as such he'd supposed that some form of reasoning went into it no matter what others might say on the matter. This revelation precludes that, it seems.

She bumps him with familiar playfulness, and he drops his grip on her hand only to sling one long arm around her shoulders, but--]

Well. Some people are better made for it than others. At building something solid, that matters.

[Not him, he means, of course.]