[ They have gone through SO MUCH WORRY AND STRESS, but hearing him start to joke a little--despite the ice flakes on his skin--does worlds to improve that. Some of the tension in their shoulders starts to let up, and they offer him a fond look.

The hair-pets resume as if they'd never stopped in the first place. ]

I had a good mentor. [ Shigeru. Shigeru is the mentor. ] I'll be fine... I just need to check on Chipp after I'm sure you've stabilized, and then I can rest for a bit.

I will bring you something hot to eat later. Something to drink?

[ Whichever he feels up to ]