Correct. [She has to smile, nod a couple of times.] On both counts. Mercury Black. He was...weird. I didn't like him much, but he was useful at times. [As a human shield.

His self-deprecation gets a warning look even as he corrects himself. Smart boy. Very smart.]

And...you know exactly what I'm going to say about that. Sometimes things are bad, but you'll keep doing your best. And that's the best thing for her. That you keep doing what you can. That's what's most important in a relationship. That you do right by them, and I know you will. You've got a good heart.