I can stay here if I want to. [ The retort was mumbled under his breath, distracted by the fact Lor had tried aiming a punch and had sort of missed--just below his jaw and into his neck. It didn't hurt though, light and almost playful. So, he ignored it. Instead, Bells moved to press his arm against Lor's and relaxed into him. ] That sounds like a lot of work.

[ He paused, thinking it over. ]

Are you sure that'd fix the problem? 'Cause I'll be pissed if he slams the door in my face again. Besides. [ And the tease rolled off his tongue without a second thought. ] When did you become such an expert on this stuff, huh?