It was... specifically right after I ragged on him for being her puppet while he had me pinned down, yeah.

[ the exact phrase was "little bitch" actually, but he already reached his swear quota for this thread. ]

So. I don't know, I guess maybe the mystery power granter appreciates a good burn.

[you know what. that makes sense actually, why wouldn't random miracles come up at opportune times.]

Could be. [she would appreciate a good burn, frankly.] Or it's the fact you kept fighting back at all. Some people would still fall apart under those circumstances. I'm kinda impressed.

[this probably sounds mildly insulting even if she doesn't mean for it to be, but he is so painfully normal.]

Yeah? Thanks...!

[ given that everyone else there DID cave to some extent, he will accept this as an actual impressive thing worth complimenting and feel flattered by it. instant mood boost. he would probably be blushing a little right now except his blood is not currently circulating. ]

I suppose I can be kind of stubborn sometimes, haha...

[NOT HIS BLOOD. it's fine, we are just going to be grateful he did not join our five-body pileup.]

Pretty sure being stubborn is gonna be one of the things we need to get out of here. This place...really, really wants to make us cave in different ways. This feels like another attempt, but you got through it. You should be proud of yourself for at least that much. Even if the rest will take time to heal from.

["you came back", goes unsaid. that's enough.]