[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/NYrpWli.png[/img][/center]

[b]"You want me to go back upstairs?"[/b] he fired back testily, his voice a disenfranchised, indignant grumble beneath her ringing laughter. [b]"I'm sure the others would appreciate the help in finishing the manticore off."[/b]

Nonetheless, Luke carried on, loading his pair and turning about-face towards the storage room for more, proceeding at what was, in scientific terms, known as a "dissatisfied half-trot, half-jog". She would get tired of it in a week with luck, sure, but it still was going to be a whole week of hearing it from her and whomever else decided to join in.

At least Sangue had the right idea now. If nothing else, that made it easier.

[b]"...I do care, yeah."[/b] he responded after a moment's contemplation of (and simmering down thanks to) the Swordswoman's words. [b]"I'm glad you think I'm a nice guy, even though I'm not sure of it myself, but I do care about the people around me."[/b]

How they were feeling.

What they were doing.

If they needed help.

If they made [i]him[/i] decide they needed help.

[b]"I care a lot. That's why I'm here."[/b]

[color=fdc68a][i]If I can stand amongst them.[/i][/color]

[b]"I wanna help people. I hate seeing people get hurt, and I can't stand people who just ignore it."[/b] He reached up, grunting as he pulled down the first of his next pair of barrels. [b]"If I see somebody in front of me who's having a hard time, I wanna help them. I lose it if I don't. Maybe I'm following the impulse of the moment, but even if that's the case, there's no way I'm doing it carelessly. It's precisely [i]because[/i] I care—"[/b]

Down came the second.

[b]"—that I ever wanted to help in the first place."[/b]

Pushing the first down with his foot, he caught Sangue's eye.

[b]"What about you?"[/b]