Oh. [Koby blinks a few times, taking this in -- because even though it's clearly not something Mihawk does often, he is being genuinely kind. Which means he was genuinely worried. Which means -- what? What does genuine emotion from a warlord of the seas, the greatest swordsman alive actually mean? Again, Koby knows in his soul it won't mean anything he doesn't agree to -- Mihawk might tease and annoy and exasperate Koby like nobody else can, but he'd never force something against the younger man's will. Ever.

So does that mean Koby will need to sort out what exactly this specific emotion -- attachment, affection, whatever it is thrumming in his chest right now -- and do something about it first? Maybe. Probably. It's all too much for him right now. Crying makes him tired, makes him lean against Mihawk's chest and exhale slowly, wiping the last of the tears away.] Then...thank you. For being kind.

We haven't worked or fought together. [Aside from whatever you'd call the gentle, mildly exasperating bickering the two engage in on the daily -- nothing serious, just "why do you put all the good cups up so high, you know I'm short, you do it on purpose" sort of things.] So...is it just proximity?

[Koby tries to scowl upwards, but because of the angle, it comes off not at all intimidating whatsoever.] I'd be a full-grown animal thank you very much. Just because you're enormously tall wouldn't make me a kitten.