[ something inside him flutters when surge compliments him on knowing her well. of course he knows her well. he was literally made to, and he can't help the smile pulling at his face.

but—ah. ]

I think we're supposed to... help it.

[ trying to peer past her arm to look at the map too. ]

T-that's what they said when I got here... To pull out the spines, so it's not sick anymore.