[For a moment, seems like a bit of Chara leaks through. A false, plastered-on grin, bright and bladed and meant to unsettle. Too bad that trick stopped working when Chara started runnin' it into the ground. Seemed to be the only intimidation tactic they could reliably trot out at their leisure, unless you count the glistening redness with which they'll occasionally infuse their voice.

He folds his arms, watches 'em closely. Watches their expression drain of the smile that doesn't suit them, and back into nothing at all.]

Then what will help ya, kid? 'Cause this, right now...

[It ain't sustainable. But hell, maybe they're stuck livin' day by day the same way he still is. Maybe that's all they can do.]

I ain't sayin' it's easy. That it won't take work. And hey, y'know how I feel about work. [Somethin' to lighten the mood. A halfhearted effort at best.] You ever think maybe you've earned a little break?